Collision Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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collision
[kəˈlɪʒən ]
Definitions
in physics
An instance of one moving object or person striking violently against another.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| collision |
Refers to when two objects strike each other, often used for vehicles or other large objects. It can be used in both everyday speech and technical descriptions.
|
| crash |
Typically used to describe a violent collision, often involving vehicles like cars, planes, or trains. It can carry a more dramatic connotation compared to 'accident.'
|
| impact |
Usually refers to the force or action of one object hitting another. Can be used in physical, emotional, or metaphorical contexts.
|
| accident |
Used to describe an unforeseen and often unfortunate event, usually involving damage or injury. Commonly used in everyday language, especially for car accidents.
|
Examples of usage
- The collision between the two cars resulted in a lot of damage.
- The collision of the soccer players on the field caused an uproar among the fans.
in technology
A situation in which two or more messages, packets, or signals arrive at a device or system at the same time.
Synonyms
conflict, interference, overlap.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| collision |
Best used to describe a physical impact between two or more objects, particularly in mechanical or automotive contexts.
|
| conflict |
Used to describe a serious disagreement or argument between people, groups, or nations, often with emotional or violent connotations.
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| overlap |
Describes a situation where two or more things share common ground or time periods, not necessarily causing a negative effect.
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| interference |
Refers to the act of getting involved in a situation where one is not wanted or needed, often causing disruption or problems.
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Examples of usage
- The collision in the network caused delays in data transmission.
- The collision detection system in the software prevents data corruption.
in sports
A direct confrontation or contact between players in a game or competition.
Synonyms
clash, confrontation, encounter.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| collision |
Use when referring to a physical impact or crash, often between moving objects like vehicles.
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| clash |
Best suited for situations of sudden conflict, often involving argument or fighting between groups or individuals. Can be both physical and non-physical.
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| encounter |
Suitable for describing a meeting, which can be either hostile or friendly, but lacks the intensity of 'confrontation'.
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| confrontation |
Used when describing a face-to-face meeting between opposing parties, often with a threat of conflict or violence. Generally has a more serious tone.
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Examples of usage
- The collision between the two players resulted in a penalty.
- The collision between the boxer and his opponent was intense.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, a collision can be elastic (where objects bounce apart) or inelastic (where they stick together).
- Explosive collisions in space, like asteroid impacts, play a significant role in planetary formation.
- Collisions are crucial for understanding particle physics, as they allow scientists to observe fundamental particles.
Pop Culture
- Many action films feature intense car chases and collisions as key dramatic moments.
- The 2015 film 'Collision' explores the theme of how different lives intersect, using both literal and metaphorical collisions.
- Video games often have collision detection mechanics that determine when characters or objects interact in the game world.
Automotive Safety
- Car collisions are a leading cause of injury worldwide, prompting development of safety features like airbags and crumple zones.
- Studies show that collisions at lower speeds, such as those in urban areas, can still cause significant injuries.
- The introduction of autonomous vehicles aims to reduce collisions by improving driving accuracy and reaction times.
Astronomy
- Celestial bodies, such as planets, often collide in their early formation stages, leading to the creation of moons and other bodies.
- The collision of light and matter forms the basis for understanding black holes and other astronomical phenomena.
- Satellites in orbit must avoid collisions with each other and space debris to ensure their functionality.
Origin of 'collision'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'collisio', meaning 'a striking together'.
- It combines 'com-' (together) and 'ludere' (to play), indicating things coming together forcefully.
- The term has been used since the late 15th century in English.
The word 'collision' originated from the Latin word 'collidere', which means 'to strike together'. The concept of collision has been integral to various fields such as physics, technology, and sports, where it signifies a forceful impact or encounter between entities. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a wide range of scenarios involving physical and metaphorical clashes. The study and prevention of collisions play a crucial role in safety measures and efficiency in different domains.