ricochet

This word carries a sense of unpredictability and sudden change in direction. It describes a sharp, glancing blow rather than a direct hit, evoking a feeling of chaotic movement or a lack of control once the object has struck the surface.

While bounce is a general term for any rebound, ricochet is specifically associated with high-velocity objects like bullets, stones, or shards of glass. It suggests a trajectory that is fast, dangerous, and often unintended, making it common in military, police, or high-energy physics contexts.