Pronunciation: [ɹˈɪkəʃˌe͡ɪd] (IPA) 
The word "ricocheted" is spelled with a "ch" in the middle, not a "sh", as some may believe. The correct pronunciation is /rɪˈkɒʃeɪtɪd/. The "ch" sound is made by pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth, whereas the "sh" sound is made by pushing the tongue forward between the teeth. It is important to remember this spelling to avoid the common mistake of misspelling the word as "ricoshayed" or "ricoshadeed".
Ricocheted is a verb that refers to the action or process of a projectile rebounding or bouncing off a surface after striking it. It describes the trajectory of an object that has been deflected or diverted by an impact.
When an object, such as a bullet or a ball, hits a surface at an angle, it can bounce off in a different direction due to the force of the impact. This bouncing motion, also known as a ricochet, can occur when the object strikes a hard or smooth surface, such as a wall, floor, or metal object.
Ricocheted implies a sudden change in direction or path, as the object veers off after colliding with the surface. It often involves a high speed or force, which causes the object to rebound rather than simply stopping upon impact.
The term "ricocheted" is commonly used in military or shooting contexts to describe the behavior of bullets or projectiles when they hit a surface and bounce off. It can also be used in sports or recreational activities that involve projectiles, such as billiards or golf, when a ball rebounds off a wall or obstacle.
Overall, ricocheted conveys the idea of a rapid and unexpected change in direction or trajectory following a collision with a surface, creating a distinctive bouncing motion.
The word "ricocheted" has its origins in the French language. It is derived from the Old French verb "ricochier", which means "to rebound, skip, or glance off". This can be further traced back to the Old Occitan term "ricochear", meaning "to ricochet". The origin of the French word is uncertain, but it may have come from the Middle Dutch word "koken", meaning "to bounce" or "to boil". Over time, "ricocheted" made its way into the English language, maintaining its original meaning of bouncing or rebounding off a surface.
