¦ verb
1. (of an object, especially a ball) spring quickly up or away from a surface after hitting it.
(of light, sound, or an electronic signal) reflect back from a surface.
(also bounce back) (of an email) be returned to its sender after failing to reach its destination.
(bounce back) recover well after a setback or problem.
2. move or jump up and down repeatedly.
move in an energetic or enthusiastic manner.
3. informal (of a cheque) be returned by a bank when there are insufficient funds in an account to meet it.
4. informal, chiefly N. Amer. dismiss from a job.
5. Brit. informal pressurize (someone) into doing something.
¦ noun
1. a rebound of a ball or other object.
an act of bouncing up and down.
2. exuberant self-confidence.
3. health and body in a person's hair.
Phrases
bounce an idea off someone informal discuss an idea with someone in order to test or improve it.
Origin
ME bunsen 'beat, thump', perh. imitative, or from Low Ger. bunsen 'beat', Du. bons 'a thump'.