ricochet
n.the way a bullet or stone bounces off a hard surface. It can also mean a sudden change in direction or a sudden increase in something like prices.
n.the act of a projectile bouncing off a surface; by extension, a sudden change in direction or a sharp increase in a specific value. Often used in military or financial contexts.
“The bullet hit the steel wall and ricochet.”
“The ball hit the wall at a sharp angle, causing a ricochet that sent it flying into the bushes.”
“The sudden rise in interest rates triggered a ricochet effect across the housing market, leading to a rapid decline in property values and a subsequent credit crunch.”
Borrowed from French ricochet, of uncertain origin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.