clash

[klash]

verb (used without object)

1. to make a loud, harsh noise.

   The gears of the old car clashed and grated.

   Synonyms: crash, clang

2. to come together or collide, especially noisily.

   The cymbals clashed.

3. to conflict; disagree.

   Their stories of the accident clashed completely.

4. (of juxtaposed colors) to be offensive to the eye.

5. to engage in a physical conflict or contest, as in a game or a battle (often followed bywith ).

   The Yankees clash with the White Sox for the final game of the season.

verb (used with object)

1. to strike with a resounding or violent collision.

   He clashed his fist against the heavy door.

2. to produce (sound) by or as by collision.

   The tower bell clashed its mournful note.

noun

1. a loud, harsh noise, as of a collision.

   The automobiles collided with a terrible clash.

2. a collision, especially a noisy one.

3. a conflict; opposition, especially of views or interests.

   a clash between nations.

   Synonyms: dispute, altercation, disagreement
   Antonyms: cooperation, agreement

4. a battle, fight, or skirmish.

   The clash between the border patrols left three men dead.

clash

/ klæʃ /

verb

1. to make or cause to make a loud harsh sound, esp by striking together

2. (intr) to be incompatible; conflict

3. (intr) to engage together in conflict or contest

4. (intr) (of dates or events) to coincide

5. (intr) (of colours) to look ugly or inharmonious together

noun

1. a loud harsh noise

2. a collision or conflict

3. gossip; tattle

Other Word Forms

• clasher noun
• clashingly adverb
• interclash noun
• unclashing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of clash¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; blend of clap ¹ and dash ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of clash¹

C16: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

The two foes have a long history of friction, having clashed when Hamas took control in Gaza in 2007 from the rival Palestinian Fatah faction, which the Doghmosh family favored.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

However, the Norwegians have a vastly superior goal difference and will be expected to beat fourth-placed Estonia ahead of their clash with Italy.

Read more on Barron's

In the game's major flashpoint, Barseghyan was dismissed seven minutes into the second half after thrusting his head into Azaz's face as the players clashed on the sideline.

Read more on BBC

Although the protests were largely peaceful, there were several incidents of vandalism and arson early in the morning and some people in masks clashed with police later on.

Read more on BBC

On the streets there have been heated protests over Milei's reforms, with police firing tear gas, rubber bullets and a water cannon during clashes.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• argument 
• battle 
• brawl 
• conflict 
• confrontation 
• crash 
• dispute 
• encounter 
• fracas 
• melee 
• misunderstanding 
• rift 
• riot 
• showdown 
• skirmish 

When To Use

What are other ways to say clash?

A clash is a conflict; this word is also used in reference to opposition, especially of views or interests. How does clash compare to brush and struggle? Find out on Thesaurus.com.