ENGLISH
REFERENCE

clash

n. countable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈkɫæʃ// UK //klˈæʃ// clash Archaic Dialect Slang

n. a short fight or a strong disagreement between two people or groups. You also use it when two colors or patterns look bad together because they are too different.

n. a brief but violent confrontation or a sharp conflict between opposing ideas or interests. It also describes a visual incompatibility between colors or styles.


SIMPLE

The two teams had a minor clash after the game.

CONTEXTUAL

Police were called to the scene following a violent clash between rival groups of protesters in the city center.

COMPLEX

The interior designer warned that the vibrant orange curtains would create a harsh clash with the deep purple walls, potentially overwhelming the room's aesthetic balance.

Synonyms
Origin

Of onomatopoeic origin. Compare Saterland Frisian klatskje (“to smack, slap”), West Frisian kletse, kletskje, Dutch kletsen (“to smack, slap, clash”), German Low German klattsen, klatsken (“to smack, splash”), German klatschen (“to clap, smack, slap”) and Klatsch (“a clapping sound; the din resulting from two or more things colliding”), Danish klaske (“to clash, splatter”).

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'between' to identify the parties involved, or 'with' to identify the opposing force.

Idioms1 entry

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