zap
zap Lexical Profile
zap Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To strike, destroy, or obliterate suddenly and forcefully, especially with an electrical current, laser, or burst of energy.
"The dermatologist used a targeted laser to zap the small blemish on his cheek."
To heat or cook quickly in a microwave oven (informal).
"She decided to zap the leftover soup for two minutes before serving it."
To move, change television channels, or transmit data very rapidly.
"He used the remote control to zap past the commercials during the broadcast."
• noun
A sudden burst of energy, electrical current, or radiation.
"He felt a sharp zap of static electricity when he touched the brass doorknob."
Lively energy, vitality, or enthusiasm (informal).
"A cold glass of lemonade gave the tired hikers a much-needed zap of energy."
• interjection
Used to represent the sound of a sudden electrical discharge, laser beam, or instantaneous event.
"She flipped the switch and—zap!—the entire circuit shorted out."
• Rhymes for zap
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in 1929 as an onomatopoeic sound effect for a ray gun in the comic strip 'Buck Rogers in the 25th Century'.