pounce

pounce¹ Definition

pounce (po̵uns)

noun

Etymology: ME pownce, talon, prob. altered < MFr poinçon, sharp instrument, stiletto: see puncheon

intransitive verb pounced, pounc′·ing

to swoop down, spring, or leap (on, upon, or at a person or thing) in, or as in, attacking or seizing

pounce¹ Related Forms

pounc′er noun

pounce² Definition

pounce (po̵uns)

noun

a fine powder, as pulverized cuttlefish bone, formerly used to prevent ink from blotting or to prepare the writing surface of parchment
a fine powder sprinkled over a stencil to make a design, as on cloth

Etymology: Fr ponce < L pumex, pumice

transitive verb pounced, pounc′·ing

pounce Synonyms

swoop down, spring on, leap on; see dive 1, jump 1.

pounce Usage Examples

Preposition: on

rebound: And Newtown moved further ahead in the 63rd minute when Justin Wickham pounced on a rebound for his second league goal.
ball: Goodall pounced on a loose ball in the corner to edge Castleford ahead for the first time with less than ten minutes remaining.
mistake: But then Watford must also be wary and not slip up either, as Premier League sides will pounce on any mistake.
error: He's won the first frame and is now pouncing on an error from Davis in the second.
anyone: Behind the other door is an enormous, hungry lion that will pounce on anyone opening the door.
pass: There was nothing whatsoever on as he pounced on a stray pass, taking the ball near the center spot.

Preposition: onto

Modifying Another Word

suddenly: Hiding behind the wall, she sees the stranger advancing, keeps her eyes on him and suddenly pounces when he comes within reach.
immediately: Alan Dwyer and Ed Moore immediately pounced and shuffled Connor down to fourth.
again: Lewis pounced again from close range to double the visitors lead.
then: A large Lycan then pounced on the hood of Crystal's car.
n't: Once you have found an interesting guy do n't pounce on him straight away, take things nice ' n ' slow.
soon: But McGall was soon pouncing on them both, diving down Farrell's inside at the chicane to take third on lap five.

Followed by an intransitive particle

upon: Even the most tenuous link to 1966 is pounced upon by smug commentators from every angle.
on: The image of being pounced on from behind bushes hints at child abusers.
out: Her left eye seemed to pounce out from under its tangled brow.
down: There he was spied by a Hawk, who pounced down on him and seized him in his talons.

Used with why or when

when: Hiding behind the wall, she sees the stranger advancing, keeps her eyes on him and suddenly pounces when he comes within reach.

Infinitive complement

head: The Accies hitman pounced to head home after the Gretna defense failed to clear Tom Parratt's free-kick with 12 minutes remaining.

Preposition: from

yard: Graham Potter's header failed to clear the Boston lines and Trundle pounced from 25 yards, curling the ball round post and keeper.

Browse dictionary entries near pounce