zap
n. C1 Advanced US //ˈzæp// UK //zˈæp// zap
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.
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.
1920s, American English, of imitative origin.