I. ˈzap interjection
Etymology: imitative
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 ; zapped ; zapping ; zaps )
transitive verb
1.
a. : to hit with or as if with a sudden concentrated application of force or energy ; especially : to shoot with a laser
b. : to get rid of, destroy, or kill especially with or as if with sudden force
c. : to irradiate especially with microwaves
2.
a. : to propel suddenly or speedily
b. : to transfer or transport instantaneously
3. : to make pungent
a sauce zapped with pepper
4. : 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 rapidly and often forcefully
2. : to change television channels using a remote control
III. noun
( -s )
1. : a pungent or zestful quality : zip
2. : a sudden forceful blow or attack
a zap or two from a satellite-mounted death ray — Harvey Ardman