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

“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

The stock, which trades under the ticket symbol “DJT,” has been extraordinarily volatile since its debut in late March, joining the group of meme stocks that are prone to ricochet from highs to lows as small-pocketed investors attempt to catch an upward momentum swing at the right time.

From Seattle Times

Honestly, it was a joke that felt like it could ricochet into reality.

From New York Times

Mittelstadt’s go-ahead goal came after Zach Parise hit the puck across the crease and Mittelstadt knocked it in, a ricochet off the right post that hit the back of Oettinger’s leg and went in.

From Seattle Times

But the Bruins responded just over a minute later when Lindholm muscled in a ricochet in front of the net to tie it back up at 1-all.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bounce back
• deflect