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

Their best hope is putting a body part in the way—and hoping a Capitals teammate isn’t there to redirect the ricochet into the net.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Even if their shots don’t go in, the traffic in front of the goal leads to more tips, ricochets and general chaos in the tight areas around Winnipeg’s goal.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Another defensive mess in the second half resulted in Dane Murray's attempted clearance ricocheting off Gabri Martinez and into the back of the net.

Read more on BBC

The bullet went over the president’s head, ricocheted and injured a taxi driver.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• bounce back 
• deflect