Word

clash

noun C1

/ˈklæʃ/

Meanings

noun

a serious disagreement or conflict between people, groups, plans, or ideas

verb

to fight or come into violent confrontation, especially between groups

verb

to look or sound wrong together because the elements do not match

Definition

A clash is a serious disagreement or a situation in which two things come into conflict.

A clash can mean a strong disagreement between people, groups, or ideas, often involving tension and open opposition. It can also refer to a physical fight or violent confrontation between groups. In addition, colors, patterns, or sounds can clash when they do not go well together and feel unpleasant or mismatched.

Examples

The clash between the two departments delayed the project for weeks.
I hate how these curtains clash with my sofa in daylight.
The fans began to clash outside the stadium after the match ended.
Her schedule clashed with the rehearsal, so she missed the first run-through.
They tried to stay professional, but a clash of priorities kept resurfacing in meetings.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse "clash" with "crash"—"clash" is conflict or mismatch, while "crash" is an accident or sudden loud impact.