crash
KRASH
Crash (noun) means a violent collision, especially involving a vehicle. Example: “Traffic backed up for miles after the crash on the highway.”
noun
1
A violent collision, especially involving a vehicle.
"Traffic backed up for miles after the crash on the highway."
"We heard a loud crash outside and ran to the window."
"The driver was shaken but unhurt after the crash at the junction."
2
A sudden failure of a computer program or system.
"The app keeps having a crash whenever I open the camera."
"After the crash, the server was offline for most of the afternoon."
"Save your work often, because a crash can wipe out unsaved changes."
3
A sudden, sharp fall in the value of stocks, currency, or other assets.
"Investors panicked during the 2008 market crash."
"Many small businesses struggled after the crash in property values."
"Some economists worry that a sudden crash in share prices could hurt pensions."
verb
1
To collide violently, or (of a vehicle) to be involved in an accident.
"The car crashed into a lamppost after skidding on ice."
"The lorry crashed into the barrier on the motorway this morning."
"Two cars crashed at the junction, but luckily both drivers walked away."
2
To stop working suddenly (of a computer or program).
"My laptop crashed right before I saved the document."
"The game crashes every time I try to load the second level."
"If the program crashes again, please restart the computer and send us the error message."
3
To attend an event uninvited (informal).
"A few strangers crashed the party after midnight."
"He tried to crash the wedding reception, but the guards turned him away."
"Do you think we could crash their barbecue without anyone minding?"
How to use crash
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA violent collision or sudden failure — of a vehicle, a computer, or a market; as a verb, to collide, fail suddenly, or (informally) show up uninvited.
Common pairings
car crash
system crash
market crash
crash a party
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Word forms
- Plural
- crashes
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Traffic backed up for miles after the _____ on the highway.
Etymology
From Middle English crasshen ("to break into pieces"), likely blending words for breaking and cracking; imitative of the sound itself.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for crash
See all rhymes for crash →Frequently asked questions
What does “crash” mean?
The word “crash” means a violent collision, especially involving a vehicle. In plain terms, a violent collision or sudden failure — of a vehicle, a computer, or a market; as a verb, to collide, fail suddenly, or (informally) show up uninvited.
How do you pronounce “crash”?
“Crash” is pronounced KRASH (/ˈkɹæʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “crash” in a sentence?
Here is “crash” used in a sentence: “Traffic backed up for miles after the crash on the highway.”
What part of speech is “crash”?
Depending on how it is used, “crash” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “crash” come from?
The word “crash” comes from Middle English. From Middle English crasshen ("to break into pieces"), likely blending words for breaking and cracking; imitative of the sound itself.
Is “crash” a common word?
“Crash” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “crash” have?
“Crash” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a violent collision, especially involving a vehicle.
What is the difference between a crash and a collision?
A collision is the neutral, technical term for two things striking each other. A crash usually implies more force, speed, and damage, and often a sudden, dramatic impact. Reports and police may prefer 'collision,' while everyday speech says 'crash.' In practice both describe vehicles hitting each other, but crash sounds more violent.
What is the difference between a crash and an accident?
'Accident' suggests no one was to blame and the event was unavoidable. 'Crash' simply describes the violent collision itself, without judging the cause — which may have involved speeding or carelessness. Road-safety campaigners increasingly prefer 'crash' precisely because it does not assume the harm was nobody's fault.
Does crash only refer to vehicles?
No. While a crash most often means a vehicle collision, the word stretches further. A computer can crash when it stops working, the stock market can crash when prices fall sharply, and a loud crash can mean a sudden, resounding noise. The common thread is something sudden, forceful, and damaging.
What are common types of crashes?
On the road, common types include head-on crashes, rear-end crashes, side-impacts, and multi-vehicle pile-ups. Beyond vehicles, people speak of plane crashes, train crashes, computer crashes, and market crashes. Each shares the idea of a sudden, forceful impact or collapse, whether physical, digital, or financial.
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