ricochet

[ rik-uh-shey, rik-uh-sheyor, especially British, rik-uh-shet ]

noun

1. the motion of an object or a projectile in rebounding or deflecting from a surface one or more times as a result of a glancing blow.

verb (used without object)

, ric·o·cheted [rik, -, uh, -sheyd, rik-, uh, -, sheyd], ric·o·chet·ing [rik, -, uh, -shey-ing, rik-, uh, -, shey, -ing] or (especially British) ric·o·chet·ted [rik, -, uh, -shet-id], ric·o·chet·ting [rik, -, uh, -shet-ing].

1. to move by rebounding or deflecting from a surface, as a projectile.

   Synonyms: glance, deflect, rebound

ricochet

/ ˈrɪkəˌʃeɪ; ˈrɪkəˌʃɛt /

verb

1. intr (esp of a bullet) to rebound from a surface or surfaces, usually with a characteristic whining or zipping sound

noun

1. the motion or sound of a rebounding object, esp a bullet
2. an object, esp a bullet, that ricochets

Word History and Origins

Origin of ricochet¹

First recorded in 1760–70; from French; further origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of ricochet¹

C18: from French, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

False narratives around the technology ricocheted through society.

From Los Angeles Times

“Great Gold Bird” can be heavy, tugging at our hearts even as it becomes more mystical — its themes ricocheting among grief, science fiction and spiritualism.

From Los Angeles Times

“It went above us and I saw it ricochet. I tried to get it at that time, but I was a little far at that point,” Wold told The Times in a phone interview Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

Skinny frames ricocheted off of each other, punch drunk on cheap vodka and the vibrations of the thrumming bass from the interim performer.

From Salon

Gordon saw Jared being flung across his bedroom as it shook, ricocheting off the walls.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bounce back
• deflect