bounce
UK[baʊns]US[baʊns]
v
to spring back after hitting a surface
v
to move up and down repeatedly
v
(of a cheque) to be returned by a bank because there is not enough money in the account
n
the quality of being able to spring back; springiness
n
a sudden leap or bound
Etymology
The word 'bounce' is an excellent example of onomatopoeia, where the sound of the word imitates the action it describes. It emerged in Middle English (c. 1200-1500) as 'bunsen', likely mimicking the dull, resonant thud of a heavy object hitting a surface. This imitative origin is shared with similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch 'bons' (a thump). Over centuries, its meaning expanded from the literal sound of impact to encompass the associated visual action—the rebounding motion—and further into metaphorical uses in finance and behavior, capturing the core idea of a sudden, energetic movement or reaction.
Analysis
The word is a simplex of onomatopoeic origin, imitating the sound of a sudden impact. Its functional role is as a complete lexical root.
Examples
The ball will bounce off the wall.
She let the child bounce on the bed.
Unfortunately, my rent check bounced due to insufficient funds.