ricochet
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈrɪkəʃeɪ/
KK: /ˈrɪkəˌʃeɪ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To bounce off a surface after hitting it, often changing direction.
Example
The bullet ricocheted off the wall and hit the ground.
Tense Forms
Past: ricocheted
Past Participle: ricocheted
Conversation
Did you see that ball ricochet off the wall during the game yesterday?
Yeah, it was amazing how fast it came back!
I didn't expect it to ricochet like that at all.
Same here! It made the game way more exciting.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
rebound
bounce
deflect
Antonyms
absorb
soak
settle
noun
Definition
The act of bouncing off a surface after hitting it, often used to describe how a bullet or other projectile rebounds.
Example
The bullet made a ricochet off the wall before hitting the target.
Conversation
Did you see that basketball shot? It had an amazing ricochet off the backboard.
Yeah, it really surprised everyone when it went in!
I love how a good ricochet can change the game's momentum.
Root Explanation
Ricochet comes from the French word 'ricochet', which is derived from the verb 'ricochet' meaning to skip or bounce off a surface. The term originally referred to the action of a projectile bouncing off a surface at an angle.
Memory Tip
Imagine a ball 'bouncing off' a surface — that's what ricochet means, as it describes the action of skipping or bouncing away.
Visually Confused Words
rochet
crochet
brioche