1. Literally, to recoil, rebound, or leap back to an original position or location. When you release this little lever, the handle springs back to a neutral position. The cat sprang back when I started walking toward it. I sprang back to my spot when I noticed my teacher looking in our direction.

2. To recover completely from illness or injury very quickly. I'm sorry to hear you're so run down with the flu—I hope you spring back soon! I was amazed at how quickly my mom sprang back from her hip replacement.