Definition

1. Noun:

   • A bounce back after hitting something: The act of springing back from a surface after an impact.
   • A recovery or reaction: A return to a previous or better state, especially after a setback, crisis, or emotional blow.
   • A specific sports action: In basketball, the act of gaining control of the ball after a missed shot attempt.

2. Verb:

   • To bounce back: To spring back after hitting a surface.
   • To recover or return: To return to a former condition or level, often after a decline or difficulty.
   • To have an unintended consequence: (Used with on or upon) To have an adverse effect on the originator.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The goalkeeper caught the ball on the first rebound.
  • The economy is showing signs of a strong rebound after the recession.
  • He led the league in offensive rebounds last season.

• Verb:

  • The ball rebounded off the wall and hit the window.
  • Stock prices rebounded sharply in afternoon trading.
  • His lies eventually rebounded on him, destroying his credibility.

Advanced Usage

• "On the rebound": In a state of recovering from an emotional upset, especially the end of a romantic relationship. This often implies vulnerability.
  • She started dating him when she was on the rebound from a painful divorce.

Variants and Related Words

• Rebounder (noun): A person who secures rebounds in basketball; also, a small trampoline used for exercise.
• Rebound effect (noun): A situation where an action taken to solve a problem makes the original problem worse or creates a new one.
  • The medication caused a rebound effect, making her headaches more frequent.

Synonyms

• Noun: Bounce, recovery, rally, resurgence, upturn.
• Verb: Bounce, ricochet, recover, rally, recuperate.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Rebound on/upon (someone): To have an adverse or unexpected consequence for the person who initiated the action.
  • His attempt to spread rumors about his colleague rebounded upon him when the truth was revealed.

Related Idioms

• "Catch/take someone on the rebound": To begin a relationship with someone who has recently ended another relationship.
  • He was just caught on the rebound; their relationship didn't last.

Noun

1. the act of securing possession of the rebounding basketball after a missed shot
2. a reaction to a crisis or setback or frustration
   • he is still on the rebound from his wife's death
3. a movement back from an impact

Verb

1. return to a former condition
   • The jilted lover soon rallied and found new friends
   • The stock market rallied
2. spring back; spring away from an impact
   • The rubber ball bounced
   • These particles do not resile but they unite after they collide