rebound

Rebound is a general term for a return to a previous or normal state after a disturbance. It is used across disciplines to describe different phenomena that share the idea of recovery, regrowth, or renewed activity.

In physics, rebound describes the bounce of an object after a collision. The outgoing speed depends on the coefficient of restitution, a number between 0 and 1 that measures elasticity. In elastic collisions, energy is largely conserved; inelastic collisions involve deformation and heat, so the rebound is weaker.

In sports such as basketball, a rebound is gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot. Rebounds can be defensive or offensive and are recorded as statistics that track a player's or team's ability to retrieve the ball.

In medicine and pharmacology, a rebound effect describes the return or worsening of symptoms after stopping a drug or therapy. Examples include rebound congestion after decongestant use and rebound insomnia following certain sedatives or sleep aids.

In economics and finance, a rebound denotes a recovery in prices, demand, or activity after a downturn. Markets may rebound due to changing expectations, policy actions, or improved fundamentals.

In social contexts, a rebound relationship describes dating someone soon after a breakup, often as a way to cope with loss or to regain self-esteem.