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Dictionary definition of pounce

To seize or attack prey or a target with great speed and determination.
"The spider will pounce on any insect that comes near its web."

Detailed meaning of pounce

It is typically associated with predatory animals, such as lions, tigers, or eagles, who employ this tactic to capture their food. Metaphorically, pounce can also be used to describe human behavior, indicating a sudden and forceful action taken to seize an opportunity or confront a situation. When someone pounces, they engage in a rapid and often unexpected movement, demonstrating assertiveness and decisiveness. The verb implies a level of agility, alertness, and precision as the individual swiftly acts upon their target. It conveys a sense of seizing an advantageous moment or launching into action with full intensity and focus. Whether in the animal kingdom or human behavior, pouncing involves a quick and deliberate movement aimed at taking control, making an impact, or achieving a desired outcome.

Example sentences of pounce

1. In the moonlight, a cat will pounce on the mouse, swift and silent.
2. Tigers pounce, and in that brief moment, raw power is wholly unveiled.
3. When you least expect, watch how swiftly eagles pounce on their prey.
4. In dark jungles, panthers pounce, capturing their prey in silence.
5. Like a shadow, the cunning fox will pounce when the rabbit is unaware.
6. In the blink of an eye, a falcon can pounce, snaring its prey mid-air.

History and etymology of pounce

The verb 'pounce' has its etymological roots in the Old French word 'poindre,' which means 'to seize' or 'to sting.' This Old French term, in turn, can be traced back to the Latin word 'pungere,' which also means 'to prick' or 'to sting.' The sense of swiftly seizing or attacking prey or a target with great speed and determination is embedded in the word's historical development. Over time, 'poindre' in Old French evolved into 'pounsen' and 'pouncen,' and eventually, it became 'pounce' in Middle English. This transformation of the term reflects its core meaning of sudden and determined action in seizing or attacking, much like a predator swiftly closing in on its prey. Thus, the etymology of 'pounce' encapsulates the idea of rapid and determined movement or action.

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Further usage examples of pounce

1. Lions pounce with precision, their power and speed unequaled.
2. The hunter, patient and still, will pounce when the deer nears.
3. Watch a cheetah pounce; it’s a dance of speed and grace in the wild.
4. Under the golden sun, the leopard will pounce, its prey unaware.
5. In nature's dance, the hawk will pounce, snatching life in an instant.
6. The cat will pounce on its prey with lightning speed.
7. I saw the lion pounce on the unsuspecting gazelle.
8. The basketball player leaped high to pounce on the rebound.
9. With a sudden movement, the cheetah will pounce on its target.
10. The ninja will pounce on the enemy, catching them off guard.
11. The hawk hovered in the sky, ready to pounce on its prey below.
12. The dog's tail wagged eagerly as it prepared to pounce on the ball.
13. The snake silently slithered through the grass, ready to pounce on its prey.
14. The goalkeeper dived to pounce on the loose ball before the opponent could reach it.
15. The tiger crouched low, ready to pounce on the approaching deer.
16. The child giggled as he tried to pounce on the falling leaves.
17. The falcon circled above, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce on its target.
18. The panther stealthily moved through the jungle, ready to pounce on any unsuspecting animal.
19. The owl remained still on the branch, waiting to pounce on a passing mouse.
20. The lioness crouched low in the tall grass, preparing to pounce on the wildebeest.
21. The cat's eyes narrowed as it prepared to pounce on the toy mouse.
22. The jaguar silently stalked its prey, waiting for the right moment to pounce.
23. The frog sat motionless, waiting for an insect to pass by so it could pounce.
24. The leopard hid among the rocks, ready to pounce on the antelope grazing nearby.