ENGLISH
REFERENCE

collision

n. C / U
C1 Advanced Oxford US //kəˈɫɪʒən// UK //kəlˈɪʒən// col·li·sion

n. an accident where two or more objects hit each other with force. It can also describe two very different ideas or opinions that disagree strongly.

n. an instance of two or more moving objects or particles striking one another. In a figurative sense, it refers to a violent or sharp conflict between opposing interests or ideas.


SIMPLE

The car collision blocked the main road for hours.

CONTEXTUAL

The accident was a low-speed collision between a delivery van and a parked bicycle.

COMPLEX

The novel explores the inevitable collision between traditional rural values and the rapid industrialisation of the late nineteenth century.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle French collision, from Late Latin collīsiō, from Latin collīdere, past participle collīsus (“to dash together”); see collide. cf. allision.

Usage

Countable when referring to specific physical accidents; often uncountable when discussing the abstract concept of objects or ideas meeting.

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