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clash
/klæʃ/
a violent confrontation or conflict
The two rival gangs had a violent clash in the city center.
This describes a physical fight between opposing groups.
general
a violent confrontation or conflict between opposing groups
The protesters clashed with police during the demonstration.
This shows a physical fight between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Can also refer to a verbal argument or disagreement.
general
a strong disagreement or conflict of opinions
There was a clash between the two managers over the project's direction.
This describes a disagreement between two people in authority.
Often used in professional or personal contexts.
Collocations
clash withto have a conflict or disagreement with someoneclash of culturesa conflict or tension between different cultural groups
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage in Different Contexts
The word 'clash' can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. In physical contexts, it refers to a violent confrontation, while in metaphorical contexts, it refers to a disagreement or conflict of opinions.
Gold Rule
Verb vs. Noun
Remember that 'clash' can function as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to come into conflict or collide, while as a noun, it refers to a violent or heated disagreement.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'clashen,' meaning to strike together, from Old French 'claschier,' from Frankish 'klaskon,' from Proto-Germanic 'klask-,' meaning to clash or strike.
Usage Notes
The word can be used both as a noun and a verb. As a verb, it means to come into conflict or collide. As a noun, it refers to a violent or heated disagreement.
Word Breakdown
clash
to strike together or come into conflict
rootEnglish Dictionary