transitive verb bounced, bouncing bounc′·ing

1. Archaic to bump or thump
2. to cause to hit against a surface so as to spring back to bounce a ball
3. ☆ Slang to put (an undesirable person) out by force
4. ☆ Slang to discharge from employment

Etymology: ME bounsen, to thump; ? akin to Du bonzen & LowG bunsen, to thump, strike

intransitive verb

1. to spring back from a surface after striking it; rebound
2. to move suddenly; spring; jump to bounce out of bed
3. ☆ Slang to be returned to the payee by a bank as a worthless check, because of insufficient funds in the drawer's account

noun

1. 1. a bouncing; rebound
   2. a leap or jump
2. capacity for bouncing the ball has lost its bounce
3. Brit. impudence; bluster
4. ☆ Informal
   1. energy, zest, etc.
   2. the ability to regain one's spirit or optimism