rebound
REE-bownd
/ˈriːbaʊnd/
A relationship entered into shortly after a breakup, often to avoid the pain of the loss.
Usually carries a slightly negative connotation, implying the relationship is temporary or a distraction.
The story behind the word. From 're-' (back) and 'bondir' (to leap). It was originally a sports term (like in basketball or tennis) before it was metaphorically applied to the 'leap' someone makes into a new relationship after being 'hit' by a breakup.
Word relationships
- distraction: A distraction is anything that takes your mind off pain; a rebound is specifically a relationship.
- recovery: Recovery is the process of getting better; a rebound is often a shortcut that delays recovery.
- commitment: Commitment is long-term and serious; a rebound is often fleeting.
Commonly confused with
- bounce: Bounce is a simple physical action; rebound implies a reaction to a previous force or event.
Word family
- rebounding (verb): The act of entering a rebound relationship.
Collocations
- on the rebound
- rebound relationship
- rebound guy/girl
Idioms & expressions
- on the rebound
Example sentences
- "I'm worried that her new romance is just a rebound and won't last." Warning a friend about a new relationship.
- "He started dating on the rebound, trying to forget his ex-fiancée." Describing the act of dating again.
Memory hook
Like a ball 'rebounding' off a wall, you bounce into someone else. Rebound = Bounce back too fast.
When not to use
Don't use it for a healthy, long-term relationship that just happened to start soon after another ended.
Fun facts
- The word 'bound' in 'rebound' is related to the word 'boundary'.
Explore more words
codependent, situationship, breadcrumbing, solace, sojourn, extramarital
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