zap

[ zap ]
/ zæp /
Informal.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR zap ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), zapped, zap·ping.

verb (used without object), zapped, zap·ping.

to move quickly, forcefully, or destructively: high-voltage currents zapping overhead.

noun

QUIZZES

CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
the intervening time.
a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of zap

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; imitative

OTHER WORDS FROM zap

zap·per, noun

Words nearby zap

zanu pf, zanuck, zany, zanzibar, zanzibari, zap, zap out, zapata, zapata mustache, zapata, emiliano, zapateado
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to zap

kill, terminate, slaughter, exterminate

Example sentences from the Web for zap

British Dictionary definitions for zap

zap
/ (zæp) slang /

verb zaps, zapping or zapped

(tr) to attack, kill, or destroy, as with a sudden bombardment
(intr) to move quickly; rush
(tr) computing
  1. to clear from the screen
  2. to erase
(intr) television to change channels rapidly by remote control

noun

energy, vigour, or pep

interjection

an exclamation used to express sudden or swift action

Word Origin for zap

C20: of imitative origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012