rebound
UK[rɪˈbaʊnd]US[ˈriːbaʊnd, rɪˈbaʊnd]
v
To bounce back after hitting something.
v
To recover in value, amount, or strength after a previous decrease or decline.
n
The act of bouncing back or recovering.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
bound
re
again
bound
to leap
Etymology
The word "rebound" is a clear compound of the Latin prefix 're-' and the Germanic root 'bound.' The core concept of 'bound' evolved from Old English and Old Norse roots related to bending or preparing, eventually solidifying into the meaning of a sudden, springing leap. The prefix 're-' adds the crucial sense of a return or repetition to this action. Thus, the literal meaning of "to leap back" logically extends to the modern abstract senses of bouncing off a surface or recovering from a setback, both implying a forceful return to a prior state or position.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + bound (to leap)
re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back."
bound: Old English origin (būgan, to bend, bow) and Old Norse (bua, to get ready), with the sense of "to leap" developing in Middle English.
Examples
The basketball rebounded off the backboard.
The economy is expected to rebound strongly next quarter.
He is suffering from a rebound of his illness after stopping the medication.