Langimage
English

pounce

|pounce|

B2

/paʊns/

sudden leap

Etymology
Etymology Information

'pounce' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'pouncen,' where 'pouncen' meant 'to punch or stamp.'

Historical Evolution

'pouncen' transformed into the modern English word 'pounce.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to punch or stamp,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to spring or swoop suddenly.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a sudden swoop or spring.

The hawk made a pounce on its prey.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

to spring or swoop suddenly so as to catch prey.

The cat pounced on the mouse.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/02/08 01:51