# zap

/ˈzæp/ (US) · /zˈæp/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/zap
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.