Collision

Definition

Collision refers to an event where two or more objects, typically in motion, come into contact with each other with force, often causing damage or impact. It is commonly used in physics, transportation, and everyday life to describe accidents or impacts between vehicles, particles, or other bodies.

Parts of Speech

• Noun (the act or instance of coming into violent contact)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəˈlɪʒən/
• Respelling: kuh-LIZH-uhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəˈlɪʒən/
• Respelling: kuh-LIZH-uhn

Etymology

The word "collision" comes from the Latin word "collisio," which is derived from "collidere," meaning "to strike together." It is a combination of "com-" (together) and "laedere" (to strike or harm). The term entered English in the early 15th century to describe violent contact or impact.

Derivatives

• Collide (verb)
• Collisional (adjective)
• Colliding (verb/adjective)
• Non-collision (noun)
• Pre-collision (noun/adjective)

Synonyms

• Crash
• Impact
• Clash

Antonyms

• Avoidance
• Divergence
• Separation

Usage

The term "collision" is often used to describe physical impacts in everyday contexts, such as car accidents or objects hitting each other. It is also widely used in scientific fields like physics, where it describes interactions between particles. For example, "The car collision caused major traffic delays," or "In physics, elastic collisions conserve kinetic energy."

Related Terms

• Impact: The action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another.
• Crash: A violent or sudden impact, especially involving vehicles.
• Interaction: Reciprocal action or influence between objects or forces.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An instance of violent contact between moving objects: Refers to the event of two or more bodies striking each other with force.
  • Example: "The collision between the two cars was caused by the icy roads."
• A situation where particles or objects interact: In physics, refers to interactions where objects, such as atoms or particles, come into contact with each other.
  • Example: "During the experiment, we studied the collision of subatomic particles."