Word Noun
zap
n.
C1 Advanced US /ˈzæp/ UK /zˈæp/ zap UK spelling zapped, zaps
Definition
n.a sudden, sharp electric shock or a quick burst of energy. You might use this word when you feel a small shock from a metal door or when you see a quick flash of light.
n.a sudden, brief, and sharp electric shock or a brief burst of energy. Often used in informal contexts to describe a quick, sharp sensation or a sudden flash of light.
Examples
“I got a small zap from the metal railing.”
“The technician warned us that touching the live wires could give us a serious zap.”
“The sudden zap of static electricity was followed by a brief flash of blue light as the capacitor finally reached its maximum charge.”
Etymology
1920s, American English, of imitative origin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated