zap

1 of 3

interjection

ˈzap 

1

—used to express a sound made by or as if by a gun

2

—used to indicate a sudden or instantaneous occurrence

zap

2 of 3

verb

zapped; zapping; zaps

transitive verb

1

a

: to get rid of, destroy, or kill especially with or as if with sudden force

b

: to hit with or as if with a sudden concentrated application of force or energy

c

: to irradiate especially with microwaves

2

a

: to propel suddenly or speedily

b

: 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

intransitive verb

1

: to move with speed or force

2

: to change television channels using a remote control

zap

3 of 3

noun

: a pungent or zestful quality : zip

also : a sudden forceful blow

Synonyms

Verb

• bang
• bash
• bat
• belt
• biff
• bludgeon
• bob
• bonk
• bop
• box
• bust
• clap
• clip
• clobber
• clock
• clout
• crack
• hammer
• hit
• knock
• nail
• paste
• pound
• punch
• rap
• slam
• slap
• slog
• slug
• smack
• smite
• sock
• strike
• swat
• swipe
• tag
• thump
• thwack
• wallop
• whack
• whale

Examples of zap in a Sentence

Verb

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Interjection

Yeah, truly, like passing a ball around and zip zap zopping. —Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 9 Aug. 2023

Verb

With that revelation, Billy gets zapped out of the Road, too. —Caroline Framke, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

The boar bristles add a beautiful shine, while the large ceramic barrel uses ionic technology to create swoon-worthy waves and volume while zapping frizz. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 Nov. 2024

Noun

Repeatedly scanning, toggling, clicking, and typing zaps our energy, steals our attention, wears us out, and contributes to burnout. —Spencer Dorn, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Here a quick zap in the microwave primes the veggie crumbles to become a hearty vegetarian main. —The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appétit, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

imitative

First Known Use

Interjection

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1942, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1963, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

zap

verb

ˈzap

zapped; zapping

1

: to destroy or kill by or as if by shooting

2

: to hit suddenly and forcefully