clash

[ klash ]

verb (used without object)

1. to make a loud, harsh noise:

   The gears of the old car clashed and grated.

   Synonyms: crash, clang

2. to come together or collide, especially noisily:

   The cymbals clashed.

3. to conflict; disagree:

   Their stories of the accident clashed completely.

4. (of juxtaposed colors) to be offensive to the eye.
5. to engage in a physical conflict or contest, as in a game or a battle (often followed by with ):

   The Yankees clash with the White Sox for the final game of the season.

verb (used with object)

1. to strike with a resounding or violent collision:

   He clashed his fist against the heavy door.

2. to produce (sound) by or as by collision:

   The tower bell clashed its mournful note.

noun

1. a loud, harsh noise, as of a collision:

   The automobiles collided with a terrible clash.

2. a collision, especially a noisy one.
3. a conflict; opposition, especially of views or interests:

   a clash between nations.

   Synonyms: dispute, altercation, disagreement

   Antonyms: cooperation, agreement

4. a battle, fight, or skirmish:

   The clash between the border patrols left three men dead.

clash

/ klæʃ /

verb

1. to make or cause to make a loud harsh sound, esp by striking together
2. intr to be incompatible; conflict
3. intr to engage together in conflict or contest
4. intr (of dates or events) to coincide
5. intr (of colours) to look ugly or inharmonious together

noun

1. a loud harsh noise
2. a collision or conflict
3. gossip; tattle

Derived Forms

• ˈclashingly, adverb
• ˈclasher, noun

Other Words From

• clasher noun
• clashing·ly adverb
• inter·clash noun verb
• un·clashing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of clash¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; blend of clap ¹ and dash ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of clash¹

C16: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

They said Ms Allen-Wyatt used multiple reasons for not doing them, including car crashes, lack of pitch availability, schedule clashes, her hen party and her wedding.

From BBC

The decades since the ban have been marked with ugly, sometimes violent, clashes between hunts and saboteur groups - who accuse them of breaking the law.

From BBC

Police in Georgia have clashed with demonstrators in the centre of the capital Tbilisi protesting against last month's disputed election which they say was stolen by the government.

From BBC

A rivalry for the ages was defined by friendship and respect off the court, plus a clash of styles on it.

From BBC

Armed with their paintbrushes and toolkits, lifelong fans of Kettering Town are busy preparing their 3,000-capacity ground ready for next month's televised FA Cup clash.

From BBC

Related Words

• argue
• battle
• contend
• differ
• disagree
• encounter
• feud
• quarrel
• try
• wrangle

When To Use

What are other ways to say clash?

A clash is a conflict; this word is also used in reference to opposition, especially of views or interests. How does clash compare to brush and struggle? Find out on Thesaurus.com.