Ricocheted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ricocheted
[ˈrɪkəˌʃɛtɪd ]
Definition
bouncing off
Ricocheted refers to the action of an object, typically a projectile, bouncing off a surface after impacting it. The term is often used in contexts involving bullets, balls, or other projectiles that change direction upon hitting a target. This bouncing action can result in unpredictable trajectories, which is why the term is commonly used in discussions of firearms or sports. Additionally, ricocheting can also metaphorically describe the way ideas or effects can bounce back in a conversation or situation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The bullet ricocheted off the wall.
- The basketball ricocheted off the rim.
- She dodged the ricocheted stone.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Physics
- Ricocheted objects follow a trajectory that can be predicted by the angle of incidence and the surface's material.
- The phenomenon is influenced by physics concepts such as momentum and energy loss on impact.
- In sports, the term is often used to describe balls bouncing off surfaces at angles, which can change the game strategy.
Pop Culture
- In movies, ricocheted bullets often contribute to suspense and action scenes, creating unpredictable outcomes.
- The term appears frequently in video games, where players must anticipate and strategize around ricocheting projectiles.
- Songs and poems may use the imagery of ricocheting to symbolize bouncing back from challenges or hard times.
Psychology
- Metaphorically, ricocheting can describe how thoughts or emotions bounce off experiences, impacting mental health.
- In therapy, discussing how feelings ricochet can help individuals understand their emotional responses.
- The concept also relates to resilience, where individuals 'bounce back' after facing difficulties.
Literature
- Authors use ricocheted imagery to illustrate chaotic events or transformative moments within a narrative.
- In poetry, the idea of ricocheting thoughts can symbolize a turbulent mind grappling with complex feelings.
- Some novels explore the idea of ricocheted consequences, where a single action leads to unexpected results.
Origin of 'ricocheted'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from a French word, 'ricochet', which means to bounce off.
- It originally described the motion of bullets or projectiles in military contexts.
- In its early usage, it referred specifically to cannonballs bouncing off hard surfaces.
The term 'ricochet' originates from the French word 'ricochet', which means 'to skip or bounce off'. It is derived from the Old French 'ricochet', a variant of 'ricochetier', meaning 'to skip' or 'to bound'. This word has its roots in the beliefs and usage of language from the 16th century. In English, the word started appearing around the early 19th century, particularly in military and sports contexts, to describe how projectiles could unpredictably change direction upon hitting a surface. Over time, the concept has expanded beyond literal physical bouncing, finding metaphorical applications in various discussions of impact and consequence.