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

Based on analysis of satellite measurements, the collision deformed sedimentary and volcanic rock layers as far as 6.2 miles to the north and south of the impact crater, while leaving the east and west relatively unscathed. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

Baltimore's bridge was also built before 1994, when new bridges were required to be constructed to minimize the risk of a catastrophic collapse from a collision, according to the NTSB. —Doha Madani, NBC News, 20 Mar. 2025

On March 14, the Arizona Department of Public Safety revealed in a press release that two people had died after a collision involving 22 vehicles, including 13 passenger vehicles on Interstate I40. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025

Homendy said Thursday that the board was recommending that the owners of 68 U.S. bridges in 19 states assess how vulnerable their bridges are to vessel collisions. —Sam Janesch, Baltimore Sun, 20 Mar. 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