Ricochet
/ˌrɪk.əˈʃeɪ/noun
A rebounding bounce, especially of a bullet or other projectile.
Did you know?Ricochet entered English through French, and the French verb was originally used for repeated bouncing or skimming movement, not just bullets — a perfect example of a word that turned violent as warfare changed language.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
French
ricochet
“A skipping or bouncing motion, especially across water or over a surface”
16th–17th Century
French
ricocheter
“To rebound or skip repeatedly”
18th Century
English
ricochet
“A rebounding shot or projectile”
Modern English
English
ricochet
“A rebound or deflected trajectory; also used figuratively for something spreading indirectly”