ricochet

American  

[rik-uh-shey, rik-uh-shey, rik-uh-shet] / ˌrɪk əˈʃeɪ, ˈrɪk əˌʃeɪ, ˈrɪk əˌʃɛt /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈrɪkəˌʃeɪ, ˈrɪkəˌʃɛt /

verb

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

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noun

1. the motion or sound of a rebounding object, esp a bullet

2. an object, esp a bullet, that ricochets

Etymology

Origin of ricochet

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

Example Sentences

And the anger with which she had lashed out at me now ricocheted back on herself.

From Literature

An AI-enhanced image depicting the moments before immigration agents shot an American nurse ricocheted across the internet -- and also made its way onto the hallowed floor of the US Senate.

From Barron's

Two years ago, Tina Fey appeared on “Las Culturistas,” one of my favorite podcasts, and delivered a line that immediately ricocheted across the internet and stuck with me personally: “Authenticity is dangerous and expensive.”

From Salon

The plastic bin ricochets off the back wall of the closet and tumbles out onto the floor, barfing clothes.

From Literature

The messages ricochet across an Iowa grocery store, a kind of ambient chorus while, at one of the few remaining manned checkout lines, a cashier squints at his screen.

From Salon

Related Words

• bounce back
• deflect