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

Until now, it had been unclear how ZAK detects ribosomes that have collided and uses that information to activate signaling pathways.

Read more on Science Daily

What kind of object collided with Earth so violently?

Read more on Science Daily

These forces are colliding in markets, leading to the sharpest intraday swings for stocks in months and leaving investors bracing for more.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Zapata is accused of driving a stolen Hyundai sports utility vehicle and colliding with a police cruiser that was being driven by 28-year-old Alec Sanders, an officer with the Alhambra Police Department.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Over time, specks of dust collide and stick together, forming rocky pebbles.

Read more on Space Scoop

Related Words

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