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

As the debate unfolds, the National Guard clashes reflect a broader national conversation about federal power, state sovereignty, and the line between law enforcement and militarization.

From Salon

The clashes, in July, marked the latest outbreak of sectarian violence in Syria since Assad's overthrow.

From BBC

Police in Georgia have clashed with anti-government protesters trying to storm the presidential palace in the capital, Tbilisi.

From BBC

He also announced in a press release that 260 police officers and 20 protesters had been injured and 40 police vehicles and 20 private cars were torched in violent clashes.

From BBC

In several cities, including Milan and Bologna, there were clashes, with protesters throwing stones at police then being sprayed with tear gas.

From 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.