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collision

collision, crash

noun ko-lee-ZYOHN Rare

Origin: Latin collisio, from collidere (to strike together)

Usage Note

Collision is always a physical or near-physical impact; for a softer 'clash of ideas' French more often uses conflit or heurt. The phrase entrer en collision (to collide) is the standard verb construction rather than using a standalone verb.

Examples

"Les deux voitures sont entrées en collision."

Natural Translation

The two cars collided.

Literal Translation

The two cars entered into collision.

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