verb [ I ] uk / paʊns / us / paʊns / to jump or move quickly in order to catch or take hold of something: The cat sat in the tree ready to pounce on the ducks below. The police were waiting to pounce when he arrived at the airport.

to attack suddenly, esp. by jumping or flying down to catch or take hold of something or someone: The mountain lion pounced onto the back of an elk.

verb (used without object), pounced, pounc·ing. to swoop down suddenly and grasp, as a bird does in seizing its prey. to spring, dash, or come suddenly: Unexpectedly she pounced on the right answer.

pounced; pouncing intransitive verb 1 a : to swoop upon and seize something with or as if with talons b : to seize upon and make capital of something (such as another's blunder or an opportunity)