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
Examples 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