zap
/zæp/- 1.
To hit, destroy, or remove something quickly, especially with a sudden burst of energy, force, or technology. It can also mean to kill someone or something in a fast, dramatic way in stories.
- The laser zapped the target.
- He zapped the flies with a spray.
- 2.
To move, send, or do something very quickly. In casual speech, it can also mean to make someone feel shocked or tired in a sudden way.
- She zapped through her emails.
- The news zapped my energy.
A sudden sharp hit, shock, or burst of energy. In informal use, it can mean a quick electric shock or a brief attack.
- He felt a zap in his arm.
- There was a zap of pain.
Adinary Nuance
Zap is more sudden and playful than words like 'hit', 'remove', or 'destroy'. It often suggests speed, force, or technology, especially in informal speech. Writers choose it when they want a lively, comic, or dramatic feel rather than a plain one. It is not as neutral as 'eliminate' or 'delete'.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tiêu diệt nhanh
- Spanish
- eliminar rápido
- Chinese
- 迅速击中
- Japanese
- 一気にやっつける
- Korean
- 재빨리 해치우다
Etymology
Zap appeared in English in the mid-20th century as an expressive sound word. It imitates a sudden sharp action or electric burst.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is zap formal or informal?
- It is mostly informal. People use it in speech, news, and playful writing.
- What is the difference between zap and delete?
- Delete is normal and neutral. Zap sounds faster, more sudden, and less formal.
- Can zap mean to kill?
- Yes, but mainly in stories, games, or casual speech. It is not a polite word for real life.
- How do I use zap in a sentence?
- You can say, 'I zapped through the work' or 'The bug got zapped.'