I. ˈbau̇n(t) s verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English bounsen, probably of imitative origin
transitive verb
1. obsolete : beat , belabor
2.
a. : to cause to rebound
bounce a ball off a wall
: cause to be reflected
bounce a light ray off a reflector
b. : to throw about : handle violently
3. chiefly Britain
a. : to bluff or bully with big talk
b. : scold , browbeat
4.
a. : to discharge from a post or employ especially peremptorily and unceremoniously
the old mess sergeant had been bounced on recommendation of the mess officer — H.H.Arnold & I.C.Eaker
b. : to expel or eject especially precipitately from a room or place or from membership or participation
if the college would only bounce him for something that wasn't too much his fault — Theodore Morrison
intransitive verb
1. obsolete : to make a loud sudden noise : bang or knock loudly
2. : to strike and rebound
bouncing from rock to rock
the ball will hardly bounce at all
the car bounced all over the road
3. : to recover from a blow or a defeat quickly or vigorously — usually used with back
4.
a. of a check : to be returned by a bank as no good (as because of lack of funds)
b. : recoil , boomerang
a tendency, which could bounce uncomfortably back on them, to come out and boldly blame the press for everything — Mollie Panter-Downes
5.
a. : to leap or spring suddenly, violently, or noisily : bound
bounced into the room
bouncing on his seat with ecstasy
b. : to walk with springing steps
6. chiefly Britain : to talk big : bluster , swagger , boast
Synonyms: see dismiss
II. noun
( -s )
1. obsolete : a heavy sudden often noisy blow or thump ; also : the sound of an explosion : bang
2. : a sudden leap or bound : a rebound especially of a ball
3. : bluster , brag , swagger : an impudent lie or boast
4. : liveliness , resilience , verve
full of bounce and enthusiasm
5. slang : a peremptory discharge or expulsion
he got the bounce
6. : a pronounced beat characterizing a style of playing jazz usually in a medium or moderate tempo
III. transitive verb
1. : to write (a check) on an account having insufficient funds
2. : to present (as an idea) to another person in order to elicit helpful suggestions or to gain approval — usually used with off