clash

clash¹ [klæʃ] v

[Date: 1500-1600; Origin: From the sound of sharp blows]

1.)

if two armies, groups etc clash, they start fighting - used in news reports

▪ Troops clashed near the border.

clash with

▪ Police have clashed with demonstrators again today.

2.) [I]

if two people or groups clash, they argue because they have very different beliefs and opinions - used in news reports

clash with

▪ Democrats clashed with Republicans in a heated debate.

clash over/on

▪ The two men have clashed over the report's conclusions.

3.) [I]

if two colours or designs clash, they look very bad together

clash with

▪ I can't wear red - it clashes with my hair.

4.) [I] [i]especially BrE if two events clash, they happen at the same time in a way that is inconvenient

American Equivalent: conflictclash with

▪ The announcement has been delayed to avoid clashing with the Prime Minister's speech.

5.) [I and T]

if two pieces of metal clash, or if you clash them, they make a loud ringing sound

▪ The cymbals clashed.

clash ²

clash² n

1.) a short fight between two armies or groups - used in news reports

▪ an escalation (=increase) of armed clashes along the border

clash between/with

▪ violent clashes between police and demonstrators

2.) an argument between two people or groups because they have very different beliefs or opinions - used in news reports

clash between/with

▪ The company's expansion plans could put it in a head-on clash with environmentalists.

personality/culture clash

(=a situation in which two people or groups do not like each other)

3.) a sports match between two teams, players etc that is expected to be very exciting - used in sports reports

▪ The heavyweight clash goes ahead in Las Vegas on 8 May.

4.) a situation in which two events happen at the same time in a way that is inconvenient

▪ a scheduling clash on TV

5.) a loud sound made by two metal objects hitting each other

▪ the clash of swords

6.) a combination of two colours, designs etc that look bad together

▪ a colour clash