collision

noun

col·​li·​sion kə-ˈli-zhən How to pronounce collision (audio)
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 How to pronounce collision (audio)
-ˈli-zhə-nᵊl
adjective
collisionally adverb
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sheriff’s deputies are searching for a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run collision that seriously injured a motorcyclist Saturday night. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025 The researchers estimate the space rock responsible for the crater was traveling at 36,000 kilometers per hour, with the collision scattering debris across the planet. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2025 The head-on vehicle collision happened just before 2 a.m. on a highway in the Village of Chester, approximately 60 miles northwest of Midtown Manhattan. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2025 The crash was reported in the area of Cedar and Park Streets where one of the involved drivers took off after the collision, according to Sgt. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for collision

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of collision was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Collision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collision. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

collision

noun
col·​li·​sion kə-ˈlizh-ən How to pronounce collision (audio)
: an act or instance of colliding

More from Merriam-Webster on collision

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