<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object)<ul><li>to swoop down suddenly and grasp, as a bird does in seizing its prey.</li><li>to spring, dash, or come suddenly: Unexpectedly she pounced on the right answer.</li></ul></li><li>(used with object)<ul><li>to seize (prey) suddenly: The bird quickly pounced its prey.</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the claw or talon of a bird of prey.</li><li>a sudden swoop, as on an object of prey.</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>spring, lunge, leap</li></ul>