Collision, n.
Etymology: [L. collisio, fr. collidere. See Collide.]
1. The act of striking together; a striking together, as of two hard bodies; a violent meeting, as of railroad trains; a clashing.
2. A state of opposition; antagonism; interference. The collision of contrary false principles. Bp. Warburton. Sensitive to the most trifling collisions. W. Irving.
Syn. -- Conflict; clashing; encounter; opposition.
Shades of meaning
Collision, the act or fact of striking violently together, is the result of motion or action, and is sudden and momentary; contact may be a condition of rest, and be continuous and permanent; collision is sudden and violent contact. Concussion is often by transmitted force rather than by direct impact; two railway-trains come into collision; an explosion of dynamite shatters neighboring windows by concussion. Impact is the blow given by the striking body; as, the impact of the cannon-shot upon the target. An encounter is always violent, and generally hostile. Meeting is neutral, and may be of the dearest friends or of the bitterest foes; of objects, of persons, or of opinions; of two or of a multitude. Shock is the result of collision. In the figurative use, we speak of clashing of views, collision of persons. Opposition is used chiefly of persons, more rarely of opinions or interests; conflict is used indifferently of all.
Prepositions
Collision of one object with another; of or between opposing objects.