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

That maneuver allegedly caused another vehicle to swerve to avoid impact, which led to a fatal head-on collision that killed 78-year-old Herman Hall and injured two others. —Essence News Editors, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025

The collision, which happened about 7:53 a.m. Feb. 10 near the intersection of Tennyson Road and Calaroga Avenue, killed Lydia Guerra, 26, of Hayward. —Harry Harris, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025

The accident follows a series of high-profile incidents in recent months, including the midair collision of an Army helicopter and passenger plane near Washington, D.C., earlier this year. —The Hill Staff, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025

The Florida firefighter who drove a fire truck onto railroad tracks, resulting in a collision with a high-speed train that injured 15 people, has been fired. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 11 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