verb
buck
To leap and kick with an arched back.
The horse bucks with its back arched and hind legs kicking.
Etymology
The verb draws on the male animal’s leaping movement. It is especially used for a horse that arches its back and kicks, often in an effort to dislodge a rider.
More examples
- She decided to buck convention and travel alone.
- The rider struggled to stay seated as the horse bucked.
- The small company bucked the downward trend and increased sales.
Forms
buck · bucks · bucked · bucking
Similar words
- rear
- A horse rises on its hind legs, rather than arching its back and kicking.