English▸ verb
( zaps, zapping, zapped)
1 [with object] destroy or obliterate:
zap the enemy's artillery before it can damage your core units
it's vital to zap stress fast.
2 move or cause to move suddenly and rapidly:
[no object, with adverbial of direction] racing cars zapped past us on the track below.
▪ [no object] use a remote control to change television channels or operate a video recorder or other piece of electronic equipment:
video recorders mean the audience will zap through the ads.
▸ noun a sudden effect or event that makes a dramatic impact, especially a sudden burst of energy or sound:
the eggs get an extra zap of UV light.
– ORIGIN 1920s (originally US): imitative.