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.

to seize (prey) suddenly

The bird quickly pounced its prey.

the claw or talon of a bird of prey.

a sudden swoop, as on an object of prey.

noun, verb

ambush , attack , bound , dart , dash , dive , drop , fall upon , jump , snatch , spring , strike , surge , swoop , take unawares