zapping
/ˈzæpɪŋ/
VERB
1. Making a sharp electrical or energetic sound
Producing a brief, sharp sound associated with an electrical discharge or sudden burst of energy.
1.1. Producing an electrical sound
Making a short, sharp buzzing, crackling, or popping noise, typically caused by an electrical discharge or an energy burst.
Synonyms
- crackling
- buzzing
- popping
- sparking
Examples
- The constant zapping of the bug zapper in the backyard kept the mosquitoes at bay during the summer nights.
Related Words
- discharging
- sizzling
- arcing
- fizzing
VERB
2. Rapidly changing television channels
Using a remote control to repeatedly switch from one television channel to another.
2.1. Switching television channels
Moving quickly between television channels with a remote control, usually while searching for something interesting to watch.
Synonyms
- channel-surfing
- channel-hopping
- switching channels
- changing channels
Examples
- I enjoy zapping through TV channels to find something interesting to watch.
- The remote control's quick zapping feature makes it easy to navigate through the menu.
- While zapping through radio stations, I stumbled upon a great song I hadn't heard in years.
Related Words
- browsing
- scanning
- remote-controlling
- tuning
2.2. Switching between digital platforms
Moving rapidly from one digital application, website, or social media platform to another to browse different content.
Synonyms
- switching
- browsing
- hopping
- flitting
Examples
- She spent the evening zapping between social media platforms to catch up on the latest news.
Related Words
- scrolling
- navigating
- multitasking
- surfing
VERB
3. Striking with electricity or energy
Hitting or affecting someone or something with an electrical discharge or a concentrated burst of energy.
3.1. Delivering an electric shock
Causing a person, animal, or object to receive a sudden electrical discharge or jolt.
Synonyms
- shocking
- jolting
- electrifying
- striking
Examples
- The electric fence kept zapping anyone who accidentally touched it.
Related Words
- discharging
- stunning
- sparking
- electrocuting
3.2. Hitting with an energy blast
Attacking or hitting a target with a concentrated beam, projectile, or burst of energy.
Synonyms
- blasting
- striking
- shooting
- hitting
Related Words
- firing
- beaming
- attacking
- projecting
VERB
4. Killing or eliminating
Causing the death or destruction of a target, or removing something completely or decisively.
4.1. Killing or destroying a target
Causing the death of a person, animal, or living organism, often through an electrical discharge or powerful force.
Synonyms
- killing
- destroying
- eliminating
- exterminating
- annihilating
Antonyms
- saving
- preserving
- protecting
Related Words
- slaying
- eradicating
- obliterating
- terminating
4.2. Removing or eliminating something
Getting rid of an unwanted object, problem, or target completely or decisively.
Synonyms
- eliminating
- removing
- eradicating
- wiping out
- obliterating
Antonyms
- retaining
- preserving
- keeping
Related Words
- deleting
- discarding
- purging
- disposing
VERB
5. Damaging electronic equipment
Causing electronic components or equipment to malfunction or become unusable through an electrostatic discharge.
5.1. Damaging electronic components
Destroying or impairing electronic circuits and devices through a sudden discharge of static electricity.
Synonyms
- frying
- damaging
- disabling
- short-circuiting
Antonyms
- repairing
- restoring
- protecting
Related Words
- malfunctioning
- burning out
- electrostatic discharging
- overloading
VERB
6. Heating food in a microwave oven
Heating or cooking food by using a microwave oven.
6.1. Microwaving or reheating food
Using a microwave oven to warm or cook food, particularly leftovers or prepared meals.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- cooling
- chilling
- freezing
Related Words
- cooking
- defrosting
- thawing
- warming up
VERB
7. Deleting electronic media
Removing or erasing electronic media, recordings, or other digital content.
7.1. Deleting digital content
Erasing electronic files, recordings, or other digital material from a device or storage system.
Synonyms
- deleting
- erasing
- removing
- discarding
Antonyms
- saving
- retaining
- restoring
Related Words
- clearing
- purging
- wiping
- discarding
VERB
8. Energizing or charging magnetic material
Applying energy to magnetic material to increase or restore its magnetic properties.
8.1. Increasing magnetic strength
Applying an energizing force to magnetic material to strengthen or restore its magnetic properties.
Synonyms
- magnetizing
- energizing
- charging
Antonyms
- demagnetizing
- deactivating
Related Words
- polarizing
- inducing
- magnetizing
NOUN
9. The act or result of receiving an electric shock
The act of being struck by an electrical discharge or the resulting sudden jolt or shock.
9.1. Electrical shock or discharge
A sudden electrical jolt experienced by a person, animal, or object, or the event that produces it.
Synonyms
- shock
- jolt
- discharge
Examples
- The constant zapping of the bug zapper in the backyard kept the mosquitoes at bay during the summer nights.
Related Words
- electrocution
- static electricity
- current
- spark