1. The act or process of colliding; a crash or conflict. 2.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.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Late Latin collsi, collsin-, from Latin collsus, past participle of colldere, to collide. See collide.
OTHER FORMS:
col·lision·al —ADJECTIVE col·lision·al·ly —ADVERB
SYNONYMS:
collision, concussion, crash1, impact, jar2, jolt, 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.
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