Definition of zap
1 —used to express a sound made by or as if by a gun
2 —used to indicate a sudden or instantaneous occurrence
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Origin and Etymology of zap
imitative
First Known Use: 1929
zap
Definition of zap
zapped
;zapping
transitive verb
1a : to get rid of, destroy, or kill especially with or as if with sudden forceb : to hit with or as if with a sudden concentrated application of force or energyc : to irradiate especially with microwaves
2a : to propel suddenly or speedilyb : to transport instantaneously
3 : to avoid watching (something, such as a television commercial) by changing channels especially with a remote control or by fast-forwarding a videotape
intransitive verb
1 : to move with speed or force
2 : to change television channels using a remote control
Examples of zap in a Sentence
The flowers were zapped by the cold weather.
The aliens in the movie zapped people from spaceships.
She reheated her muffin by zapping it in the microwave for a few seconds.
I zapped through the channels for a while before falling asleep.
We tape the show so we can zap through the commercials.
1942
First Known Use of zap
1942
1963
First Known Use of zap
1963
ZAP Defined for English Language Learners
zap
Definition of zap for English Language Learners
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: to attack, destroy, or kill (someone or something) quickly
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: to hit (someone or something) with electricity
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: to shoot (someone or something) with an electric gun, laser, etc.
ZAP Defined for Kids
zap
playDefinition of zap for Students
zapped
;zapping
: to hit with or as if with a jolt of electricity Lightning zapped the tree.
Learn More about zap
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See words that rhyme with zap Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for zap Spanish Central: Translation of zap Nglish: Translation of zap for Spanish speakers
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