Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CLASH, v.i. [D. kletsen; G. klatschen, klitschen; Dan. klatsker.]

1. To strike against; to drive against with force. Note. The sense of this word is simply to strike against or meet with force; but when two sounding bodies strike together, the effect is a sound. Hence the word often implies, to strike with a noise; as clashing arms. – Denham.
2. To meet in opposition; to be contrary; to act in a contrary direction; to interfere, as opposing persons, minds, views, interests, &c.; as, the opinions of men clash; clashing interests. – South. Bacon. Independent jurisdictions … could not fail to clash. – Dwight's Theol.