pounce
n.n. a sudden, quick movement to grab or attack something. It is an old word for a quick jump or a fast attack.
n. a sudden, quick, and forceful movement to seize or attack. Often used in historical or literary contexts to describe predatory behavior.
The cat made a quick pounce on the mouse.
The predator made a silent pounce from the tall grass, catching its prey by surprise.
The poet describes the eagle's pounce as a sudden, vertical strike that leaves the air momentarily still before the prey is secured.
From French ponce, from Latin pūmex. Doublet of pumice.
From Middle English pounce, probably akin to punch. Possibly from Old French ponchonner (compare French poinçonner).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 18, 2026