Meaning & use
Zap
Last updated
To hit, destroy, or affect suddenly and forcefully, especially with a burst of energy, heat, or electricity.
See it in a sentence
The chef zapped the leftovers in the microwave for two minutes.
A stray spark from the fence zapped the farmer's hand.
A note on using this word
Originally comic-book onomatopoeia imitating the sound of a laser or electric jolt, 'zap' entered everyday speech by the mid-20th century.
Words with a similar meaning
shockblast
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
A sudden burst of energy or a brief electric shock.
He felt a small zap when he touched the doorknob after walking on the carpet.
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