collision

noun

col·​li·​sion kə-ˈli-zhən How to pronounce collision (audio)
Synonyms of collision
1
: an act or instance of colliding : clash
2
: an encounter between particles (such as atoms or molecules) resulting in exchange or transformation of energy
collisional
kə-ˈli-zh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce collision (audio)
adjective
collisionally adverb

Synonyms of collision

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impact, collision, shock, concussion mean a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things.

impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other.

the glass shattered on impact with the floor

collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded.

the collision damaged the vehicle

shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force.

the shock of falling rocks

concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow.

bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

Examples of collision in a Sentence

The car was destroyed in the collision. the collision of two opposing philosophies regarding the rearing of children
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The collision came just nine months after another deadly crash involving high-speed trains operated by the same two companies in southern Spain in January. — Joseph Wilson, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026 Officials currently do not know what caused the collision on Wednesday. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026 The fatal train crash near Toledo on Wednesday comes months after a deadly collision in southern Spain that involved the same carriers. — José Bautista Carlos Barragán José Bautista James McManagan, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 Scientists have long known that the hits, tackles and other collisions that are central to the sport come with health risks, but what these impacts do to the brain has been less clear. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for collision

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin collision-, collisio, from collidere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of collision was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing collision

Rhymes for collision

See All Rhymes for collision

Browse Nearby Words

colliquate
collision
collisional
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Cite this Entry

“Collision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collision. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

collision

noun
col·​li·​sion kə-ˈlizh-ən How to pronounce collision (audio)
: an act or instance of colliding

More from Merriam-Webster on collision

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about collision

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