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REFERENCE

rebound

v. · n.
US //ɹiˈbaʊnd// re·bound
  1. 1 to bounce back (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to bounce back off a surface after hitting it.

    to spring back or recoil from a surface or object following impact.

    Example

    The tennis ball hit the wall and rebounded straight into his hands.

    Example

    The bullet rebounded off the steel plating, fortunately missing the bystanders standing near the range entrance.
  2. 2 to recover (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to improve or get better after a difficult time or a fall in value.

    to recover in value, amount, or strength after a previous decline or setback.

    Example

    The company's stock price rebounded quickly after the news of the new CEO.

    Example

    Economists predict that the market will rebound by the second quarter, provided that consumer confidence remains stable despite the recent inflation spikes.
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  1. 3 basketball (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    to catch the ball after a player tries to score but misses.

    to gain possession of the ball after a missed shot attempt hits the rim or backboard.

    Example

    He jumped high to rebound the ball and started a fast break.

    Example

    The centre managed to rebound the ball consistently throughout the final quarter, denying the opposing team any second-chance points.

  2. 4 recovery (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    an increase or improvement after a period of being low or weak.

    an instance of recovery in value, health, or performance following a decline.

    Example

    Doctors were surprised by the patient's rapid rebound after the surgery.

    Example

    The sudden rebound in housing prices caught many first-time buyers off guard, forcing them to reconsider their budgets.
  3. 5 after a breakup (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    a new relationship started very soon after a breakup to feel better.

    a romantic relationship entered into shortly after a previous one has ended, often as a coping mechanism.

    Example

    He started dating her on the rebound, just two weeks after his wedding was cancelled.

    Example

    Psychologists suggest that relationships formed on the rebound rarely last, as the individuals involved are often seeking distraction rather than genuine connection.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'on the rebound'.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is very common in casual conversation; it can refer to the period of time or the new partner themselves.

Etymology 1

From Old French rebondir.

Etymology 2

see rebind

Idioms1 entry

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