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.
In results published on a preprint server, CERN researchers were seeking answers to the question of whether oxygen-oxygen collisions, though small, can create any energy that can be seen as a jet at all. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 Peck said officials with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection responded to the scene because of the amount of fluids that leaked during the collisions and a possible diesel fuel leak involving the tractor-trailer. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 Others have been far too quiet—producing only one billionth the energy of the proton-proton collisions at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, the most powerful particle accelerator on Earth. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 31 Aug. 2026 But crew members told NTSB they were both fatigued prior to the collision, which occurred near the end of their shift, recently posted documents show. — Marni Pyke, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

colliquate
collision
collisional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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