collide

[kuh-lahyd]

verb (used without object)

collided, colliding 

1. to strike one another or one against the other with a forceful impact; come into violent contact; crash.

   The two cars collided with an ear-splitting crash.

   Synonyms: clash, smash, hit

2. to clash; conflict.

   Their views on the matter collided.

verb (used with object)

collided, colliding 

1. to cause to collide.

   drivers colliding their cars in a demolition derby.

collide

/ kəˈlaɪd /

verb

1. to crash together with a violent impact

2. to conflict in attitude, opinion, or desire; clash; disagree

Word History and Origins

Origin of collide¹

1615–25; < Latin collīdere to strike together, equivalent to col- col- ¹ + -līdere, combining form of laedere to strike

Word History and Origins

Origin of collide¹

C17: from Latin collīdere to clash together, from com- together + laedere to strike, wound

Example Sentences

Much of “Orwell: 2+2=5” unfolds like a fever dream, Orwell’s words colliding with scenes from the present, including bombed-out streets in Gaza and Ukraine.

From Los Angeles Times

Late in the third quarter of Sunday’s 27-10 loss to Washington, Hampton came up limping after colliding with a Commanders pass rusher.

From Los Angeles Times

The incident is the second time the McLaren drivers have collided this year, after Norris ran into the back of Piastri while trying to overtake him in Canada in June and had to retire.

From BBC

The administration’s piecemeal campaign to divide and conquer Latin America illustrates all these themes at once, including the likely outer limits of Trumpian power as it collides with 21st-century political reality.

From Salon

For now, it stands as an unauthorized fixture — and a reminder of how art and politics continue to collide on the nation’s most symbolic lawn.

From Salon

Related Words

• bang 
• break up 
• bump 
• crash 
• hit 
• shatter 
• sideswipe 
• smash 
• strike