col·li·sion
(kə-lĭzh́ən)
[Middle English, from Late Latin collīsiō, collīsiōn-, from Latin collīsus past participle of collīdere, to collide; see collide.]
noun
- The act or process of colliding; a crash or conflict.
- Physics A brief dynamic event consisting of the close approach of two or more particles, such as atoms, resulting in an abrupt change of momentum or exchange of energy.
derivatives
- col·lísion·al
- adjective
- col·lísion·al·ly
- adverb
synonyms:
collision, concussion, crash1impact, jar2jolt, shock1 These nouns denote violent forcible contact between two or more things: the midair collision of two light planes; the concussion caused by an explosion; a crash involving two cars; the impact of a sledgehammer on pilings; felt repeated jars as the train ground to a halt; a series of jolts as the baby carriage rolled down the steps; experienced the physical shock of a sudden fall.
