collision
Americannoun
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the act of colliding; a coming violently into contact; crash.
the collision of two airplanes.
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a clash; conflict.
a collision of purposes.
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Physics. the meeting of particles or of bodies in which each exerts a force upon the other, causing the exchange of energy or momentum.
noun
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a violent impact of moving objects; crash
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the conflict of opposed ideas, wishes, attitudes, etc
a collision of interests
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physics an event in which two or more bodies or particles come together with a resulting change of direction and, normally, energy
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of collision
1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin collīsiōn- (stem of collīsiō ), equivalent to collīs ( us ) (past participle of collīdere to collide ) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
A collision is when two or more things smash together. You shouldn't give yourself a pedicure while driving because it might result in a collision, wrecking your car and spoiling your toenail polish to boot. Collision comes from the Latin col-, "together," and lædĕre, "to hurt by striking." When a train hits a car, that's a collision. An asteroid hurtling toward earth is on a "collision course" with our planet. Collision also works for abstract conflicts that get violent or hurt your brain somehow, like the collision between two politicians during a debate, or the collision of colors in your outfit.
Vocabulary lists containing collision
Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer - Introductory
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Force and Motion (Mechanics) - Middle School
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Force and Motion (Mechanics) - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As the family entered the intersection, Erickson drove by them and avoided a collision.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
The driver in the other car involved in the collision was identified as Holly Chafey, 60, according to the county coroner.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026
An FAA spokeswoman said Bedford respects Homendy and shares the common goal of preventing another midair collision.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
Following the crash, Hussain's Apple watch automatically called 999 after detecting he had been in a collision.
From BBC • May 29, 2026
From the hallway came sounds of scuffle and collision.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
