rebound

[ verb ri-bound, ree-bound; noun ree-bound, ri-bound ]

verb (used without object)

1. to bound or spring back from force of impact.
2. to recover, as from ill health or discouragement.
3. Basketball. to gain hold of rebounds:

   a forward who rebounds well off the offensive board.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to bound back; cast back.
2. Basketball. to gain hold of (a rebound):

   The guard rebounded the ball in backcourt.

noun

1. the act of rebounding; recoil.
2. Basketball.
   1. a ball that bounces off the backboard or the rim of the basket.
   2. an instance of gaining hold of such a ball.
3. Ice Hockey. a puck that bounces off the gear or person of a goalkeeper attempting to make a save.

rebound

verb

1. to spring back, as from a sudden impact
2. to misfire, esp so as to hurt the perpetrator

   the plan rebounded

noun

1. the act or an instance of rebounding
2. on the rebound
   1. in the act of springing back
   2. in a state of recovering from rejection, disappointment, etc

      he married her on the rebound from an unhappy love affair

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebound¹

1300–50; Middle English (v.) < Middle French rebondir, equivalent to Old French re- re- + bondir to bound ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebound¹

C14: from Old French rebondir , from re- + bondir to bound ²

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the rebound,
   1. after bouncing off the ground, a wall, etc.:

      He hit the ball on the rebound.

   2. after being rejected by another:

      She didn't really love him; she married him on the rebound.

More idioms and phrases containing rebound

see on the rebound .

Example Sentences

Though some patients experienced mild and transient side effects such as nausea, dizziness and daytime sleepiness, there were no serious adverse events and no rebound in symptom severity after the drug wore off.

From Science Daily

The group denied the claims and spent months reassuring investors; its companies’ stock prices rebounded.

From New York Times

Dailey added 16 points while making seven of nine shots to go with seven rebounds.

From Los Angeles Times

“So, it doesn’t matter. Defensively, I thought we did a good job... and then rebounding the basketball.”

From Los Angeles Times

He finished with eight dunks, 24 points and 15 rebounds.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• overcome
• pick up
• revive