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

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

But a few smart tips can help make your bowl even better: Warm up: To prevent any unwanted curdling or separating, zap the cream cheese in the microwave before swirling it into the chili. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 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