collision
[kuh-lizh-uh n]
- the act of colliding; a coming violently into contact; crash: the collision of two airplanes.
- a clash; conflict: a collision of purposes.
- Physics. the meeting of particles or of bodies in which each exerts a force upon the other, causing the exchange of energy or momentum.
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Origin of collision
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
dilapidation, bump, slam, rap, pileup, crash, thud, impact, wreck, concussion, jar, jolt, percussion, thump, strike, blow, hit, knock, butt, encounterExamples from the Web for collision
Contemporary Examples
Physicians are overwhelmed because we are in the middle of a collision of powerful unrestrained forces.
It was this music that would set up the collision between poor blacks and middle-class whites that would result in Rock & Roll.
In November, Kiir dissolved all internal party structures, setting the two men on a collision course.
Before There’s a Genocide: The Slaughter in South Sudan Must StopJustine Fleischner, John Prendergast
April 23, 2014
The train is once again on a collision course with five innocent people.
From the Colorado train that fell into a creek to the North Carolina collision, see more rail disasters.
Historical Examples
Fortunately for that fellow too,' said Tip, 'or he and I might have come into collision.'
Little DorritCharles Dickens
It would not even dare approach, for fear of collision with us.
A collision while underseas in a submarine is a serious matter.
The Heads of ApexFrancis Flagg
You do not anticipate a collision because you are a brave man.
The Night RidersRidgwell Cullum
Something I heard of a collision with the law and of a forced assignment of his interests.
The Woman Thou Gavest MeHall Caine
collision
- a violent impact of moving objects; crash
- the conflict of opposed ideas, wishes, attitudes, etca collision of interests
- physics an event in which two or more bodies or particles come together with a resulting change of direction and, normally, energy
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Word Origin
C15: from Late Latin collīsiō from Latin collīdere to collide
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for collision
n.
early 15c., from Middle French collision (15c.), from Latin collisionem (nominative collisio) "a dashing together," noun of action from collidere (see collide).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper