collide
verb (used without object)
to strike one another or one against the other with a forceful impact; come into violent contact; crash.
were colliding
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past progressiveof collide.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Although the zircons formed when tectonic plates were colliding, they have a chemical signature associated with when the plates were moving apart.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 2, 2024
Gold atoms have 79 protons, and could only be created under very high-energy conditions in which smaller-mass atoms were colliding in close proximity.
From Salon ● Nov. 18, 2021
Around 35 million years ago, as the Tethys was closing off, the Australian and Pacific plates were colliding with continental Southeast Asia, creating an expanse of shallow ocean ideal for coral reefs.
From New York Times ● Oct. 17, 2018
He learned they are valued between $7,000 and $15,000, though that number says nothing about their true value from a time when cultures were colliding and life for the Sioux was changing forever.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 11, 2016
Everywhere contrary ideas, interests, institutions, tendencies, were colliding with inextinguishable rage.
From William Lloyd Garrison The Abolitionist by Archibald Henry Grimké
