ricochet

/ˈrɪkəʃeɪ/
noun
  1. A rebound or bouncing motion, especially of a projectile off a surface.
    • The police officer studied the ricochet marks on the wall.
    • The ricochet of the pebble surprised the hikers.
    • He ducked to avoid the ricochet of the tennis ball.
  2. An unpredictable or indirect effect or result.
    • The new law had a ricochet effect on small businesses.
    • Her harsh words had a ricochet that hurt everyone in the room.
    • The economic crisis created a ricochet of job losses across the country.
verb
  1. To bounce off a surface at an angle, especially after being thrown or fired.
    • In the game, the ball ricocheted off the tree and landed in the goal.
    • The bullet ricocheted off the metal wall and flew into the air.
    • The stone hit the water and ricocheted across the pond.
  2. To move or be sent back and forth between surfaces or people in a rapid or unpredictable way.
    • Ideas ricocheted between the team members during the brainstorming session.
    • The rumor ricocheted through the office before anyone could stop it.
    • Her voice ricocheted around the empty auditorium.
What does "ricochet" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean