v. & n.
--v.
1. a intr. (of a ball etc.) rebound. b tr. cause to rebound. c tr. & intr. bounce repeatedly.
2 intr. sl. (of a cheque) be returned by a bank when there are insufficient funds to meet it.
3 intr. a (foll. by about, up) (of a person, dog, etc.) jump or spring energetically. b (foll. by in, out, etc.) rush noisily, angrily, enthusiastically, etc. (bounced into the room; bounced out in a temper).
4 tr. colloq. (usu. foll. by into + verbal noun) hustle, persuade (bounced him into signing).
5 intr. colloq. talk boastfully.
6 tr. sl. eject forcibly (from a dancehall, club, etc.).
--n.
1. a a rebound. b the power of rebounding (this ball has a good bounce).
2 colloq. a swagger, self-confidence (has a lot of bounce). b liveliness.
3 sl. an ejection.
Phrases and idioms:
bounce back regain one's good health, spirits, prosperity, etc.
Etymology: ME bunsen beat, thump, (perh. imit.), or f. LG bunsen, Du. bons thump