jounce
UK: dʒaʊns | US: dʒaʊns
vt. to jolt or bounce violently
vi. to move with a jolting or bouncing motion
n. a jolting or bouncing movement
The word "jounce" likely originates from Middle English, possibly as an onomatopoeic or expressive formation mimicking the sound or sensation of a sudden jolt. The morpheme "joun" suggests a forceful movement, while the ending "-ce" may serve to intensify the action. Over time, it evolved to specifically describe abrupt, bouncing motions, often with a connotation of roughness or unpredictability.
The old cart jounced along the rocky path, making the ride uncomfortable.
Her backpack jounced against her shoulders as she ran down the hill.
The toddler giggled as the ball jounced across the floor.
The sudden stop made the passengers jounce forward in their seats.
Heavy trucks often jounce the loose gravel on this road.