collision

noun

col·​li·​sion kə-ˈli-zhən 

1

: an act or instance of colliding : clash

2

: an encounter between particles (such as atoms or molecules) resulting in exchange or transformation of energy

collisional

kə-ˈlizh-nəl 

-ˈli-zhə-nᵊl

adjective

collisionally adverb

Synonyms

• bump
• concussion
• crash
• impact
• impingement
• jar
• jolt
• jounce
• kick
• shock
• slam
• smash
• strike
• wallop

Choose the Right Synonym for collision

impact, collision, shock, concussion mean a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things.

impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other.

the glass shattered on impact with the floor

collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded.

the collision damaged the vehicle

shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force.

the shock of falling rocks

concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow.

bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

Examples of collision in a Sentence

The car was destroyed in the collision.

the collision of two opposing philosophies regarding the rearing of children

Recent Examples on the Web

At the time of January’s collision one controller was handling two positions, the National Transportation Safety Board noted. —Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025

The asteroid is now logged as a harmless 0, meaning there’s no likelihood of a collision. —Amanda Kooser, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

The chances of the asteroid’s collision then continued to fluctuate in the weeks following. —Charna Flam, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Arriaga Guerrero also faces charges of collision involving injury, animal cruelty and theft of a motor vehicle, according to police. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin collision-, collisio, from collidere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing collision

• anti-collision
• collision course
• head-on collision
• inelastic collision
• on a collision course

Rhymes for collision

• abscission
• decision
• derision
• division
• elision
• envision
• excision
• incision
• misprision
• precision
• prevision
• provision

Kids Definition

collision

noun

col·​li·​sion kə-ˈlizh-ən 

: an act or instance of colliding