区别辨析shock、impact、collision与clash

shock、impact、collision与clash这些名词均含“冲击、碰撞”之意。

shock : 指强烈冲击在肉体上或思想感情上所产生的效果。

  • For running on hard roads, you need shoes with extra cushioning to absorb (= reduce) the shock.
    在坚硬的马路上跑步时,需要穿具有超强缓冲力的鞋子。
  • I was in (a state of) shock for about two weeks after the accident.
    事故发生后,我有约两个星期都处于惊魂未定的状态。

impact : 正式用词,侧重指物体相撞的结果或接触点。

  • The impact of the crash reduced the car to a third of its original length.
    撞车时的冲击力使车身变形,仅剩原长的三分之一。
  • The bullet explodes on impact (= when it hits another object).
    子弹击中物体时爆炸。

collision : 指物体相撞,其结果不是受损就是严重受阻。

  • There has been a collision on the southbound stretch of the motorway.
    在高速公路南向路段上发生了一起撞车事故。

clash : 通常指两个或多个物体,特别是金属物发出刺耳声音或破裂声的撞击。也可引申指意见、利益等的冲突。

  • a clash of cymbals/swords
    击铙钹的声音;剑的撞击声