c.1300, "to spring, leap," also "return to afflict" (early 15c.), from O.Fr. rebondir "leap back, resound," from re- "back" + bondir "leap, bound" (see bound (v.)). Sense of "to spring back from force of impact" is recorded from late 14c. Sports use probably first in tennis; basketball sense is attested from 1954. The noun is first recorded 1520s.