zap
verb (used with object)
to bombard with electrical current, radiation, laser beams, etc..
zapping
-
present participleof zap.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The constant flux of TikTok clips, Instagram reels and YouTube shorts running through our social-media feeds isn’t only zapping our attention spans, it’s altering how we perceive time.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026
"When a satellite crosses what we observe, it makes a bright streak on our image, zapping whatever is behind it," said ESO astronomer Olivier Hainaut, who led the study published in Astronomy & Astrophysics.
From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026
Play as Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El, while the game’s credits roll, zapping the names of developers with her laser vision as they scroll past to score extra points you can redeem in the SuperShop.
From Salon ● Jun. 27, 2026
Her zapping turns her entire head of hair — not just a streak — shocking white à la Jean Harlow, and leaves an oddly-appealing black blotch on her cheek.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 4, 2026
I deleted anything that violated the community rules, but thanks to school and sleep, I wasn’t zapping them as they posted.
From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows
