ricochet

[rik-uh-shey, rik-uh-shey, 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)

ricocheted, ricocheting , ricochetted, ricochetting .

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

The incident has fueled a storm of late-summer ridicule, with memes ricocheting across social media and commentators pointing to the almost slapstick nature of the scandal.

From Salon

Another neatly devised move resulted in Steward diving in at the corner but the England full-back was unfortunate when Carreras' chip over the top ricocheted off the post for Mendy to gather and score.

From BBC

Mistiming a turn, it ricocheted off a dirt mound and landed on its back, swaying side to side, like an overturned beetle.

From Los Angeles Times

The appropriations ricochet off the feminist imitations of Andy Warhol and Frank Stella paintings that Elaine Sturtevant began to make in the 1960s.

From Los Angeles Times

Montes’ goal came first, on a header that ricocheted off a couple of players before one-hopping its way just inside the left goalpost in the 53rd minute.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bounce back 
• deflect