I. ˈzap interjection
Etymology: imitative
Date: 1929
1. — used to express a sound made by or as if by a gun
2. — used to indicate a sudden or instantaneous occurrence
II. verb
( zapped ; zap·ping )
Date: 1942
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 (as a television commercial) by changing channels especially with a remote control or by fast-forwarding a videotape
intransitive verb
1. : to move with speed or force
2. : to change television channels using a remote control
III. noun
Date: 1963
: a pungent or zestful quality : zip ; also : a sudden forceful blow