pounce

C1 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /paʊns/ See IPA manual

Freq #20753

Meanings

1

verb
To jump suddenly forward to catch or attack someone or something.

The cat crouched low and then pounced on the mouse.
2

verb
To react instantly to take advantage of something, such as a mistake or chance.

Reporters pounced on the slightest inconsistency in his story.
3

noun
A sudden spring or leap forward to catch or attack.

With one quick pounce, the lion brought down the antelope.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to jump suddenly forward to... jump leap

More attack strike

Word family

Forms pouncedpouncespouncing

Derived forms pounceablepouncehugpouncerpouncinglypouncy

Etymology

From Middle English pounce, probably akin to punch. Possibly from Old French ponchonner (compare French poinçonner).

pounce Middle English ponchonner Old French

View etymology graph ->

Topics

Actions & Processes

External links

# pounce

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C1
**Part of speech:** verb, noun
**IPA (US):** /paʊns/
**Frequency rank:** 20753

## Meanings
1. To jump suddenly forward to catch or attack someone or something.
2. To react instantly to take advantage of something, such as a mistake or chance.
3. A sudden spring or leap forward to catch or attack.

## Examples
- The cat crouched low and then pounced on the mouse.
- Reporters pounced on the slightest inconsistency in his story.
- With one quick pounce, the lion brought down the antelope.

## Synonyms
- attack
- strike

## Derived Forms
- pounceable
- pouncehug
- pouncer
- pouncingly
- pouncy

## Roots and Affixes
- Root: pounce
- Root: ponchonner

## Etymology
From Middle English pounce, probably akin to punch. Possibly from Old French ponchonner (compare French poinçonner).

## AI Etymology
Pounce is from Middle English pounce, probably akin to punch. Possibly from Old French ponchonner (compare French poinçonner). In present-day use, it can mean to jump suddenly forward to catch or attack someone or something, or to react instantly to take advantage of something, such as a mistake or chance. Derived formations include pounceable, pouncehug, pouncer, pouncingly, and pouncy.

## Topics
- Actions & Processes

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