zaps
/zæps/
NOUN
1. A sudden electrical sound
A brief, sharp sound produced by a sudden release of electricity or a similar form of energy.
1.1. Sound of an electrical discharge
Sharp, brief sounds resembling the buzzing, crackling, or popping noise produced by an electrical discharge or sudden burst of energy.
Synonyms
- cracks
- pops
- buzzes
Examples
- The bug zapper zaps insects with a satisfying sizzle on summer evenings.
Related Words
- sparks
- crackles
- discharges
- sizzles
NOUN
2. Electric shocks
Sudden electrical discharges that pass through or affect a person, animal, or object.
2.1. Sudden electrical jolts
Brief electric shocks that cause a sudden jolt or sensation when electricity passes through the body or makes contact with an object.
Synonyms
- shocks
- jolts
- electric shocks
Examples
- The electric shock from the faulty wire zaps anyone who touches it.
Related Words
- electrical discharges
- sparks
- static shocks
- currents
VERB
3. To produce a sharp electrical sound
To make a brief, sharp sound associated with a sudden release of electricity or similar energy.
3.1. Producing electrical discharge sounds
Making short, sharp buzzing, crackling, or popping noises that resemble the sound of electrical energy being released.
Synonyms
- crackle
- buzz
- pop
- spark
Examples
- The bug zapper zaps insects with a satisfying sizzle on summer evenings.
Related Words
- sizzle
- discharge
- arc
- fizz
VERB
4. To change television channels rapidly
To use a remote control to repeatedly switch from one television channel to another.
4.1. Switching between television channels
Moving quickly from one television channel to another with a remote control, usually while searching for something interesting to watch.
Synonyms
- channel-surf
- channel-hop
- switch channels
- change channels
Examples
- He zaps through television channels whenever the commercials begin.
Related Words
VERB
5. To strike with electricity or energy
To hit or affect someone or something with electricity or a concentrated burst of energy, such as a projectile or energy beam.
5.1. Delivering an electrical shock
Causing a person, animal, or object to receive a sudden electrical discharge or jolt.
Synonyms
Examples
- The electric shock from the faulty wire zaps anyone who touches it.
Related Words
- discharge
- spark
- stun
- electrocute
5.2. Striking with an energy blast
Hitting a target with a concentrated burst of energy, such as a laser beam or fictional energy projectile.
Synonyms
Examples
- The superhero's laser vision can quickly zap through any obstacle.
Related Words
VERB
6. To kill or eliminate
To kill, destroy, or remove someone or something completely or decisively.
6.1. Killing or destroying
Causing the death or destruction of a living target, often through an electrical discharge or powerful force.
Synonyms
- kill
- destroy
- slay
- annihilate
- exterminate
Antonyms
- save
- preserve
- protect
Examples
- The bug zapper zaps insects with a satisfying sizzle on summer evenings.
Related Words
- eliminate
- eradicate
- obliterate
- dispatch
6.2. Removing or eliminating something
Getting rid of an unwanted object, problem, or target completely or decisively.
Synonyms
- eliminate
- remove
- eradicate
- wipe out
- obliterate
Antonyms
- retain
- keep
- preserve
Examples
- The new software zaps unwanted files from the computer.
Related Words
- delete
- discard
- purge
- dispose of
VERB
7. To damage electronic equipment
To damage or destroy electronic components, especially through a sudden electrostatic discharge.
7.1. Damaging electronic components
Causing electronic devices or circuits to malfunction or become unusable because of a sudden discharge of static electricity.
Synonyms
- fry
- damage
- disable
- short-circuit
Antonyms
- repair
- restore
- protect
Related Words
- malfunction
- burn out
- electrostatic discharge
- circuit failure
VERB
8. To heat food in a microwave oven
To heat or cook food by using a microwave oven.
8.1. Microwaving or reheating food
Using a microwave oven to warm or cook food, particularly leftovers or prepared meals.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- She zaps the leftovers in the microwave before serving dinner.
Related Words
VERB
9. To delete or discard electronic media
To remove or erase electronic media, recordings, or other digital content.
9.1. Deleting digital content
Removing electronic files, recordings, or other digital material from a device or storage system.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- save
- retain
- restore
Related Words
- clear
- purge
- wipe
- erase
VERB
10. To energize or charge magnetic material
To apply energy to magnetic material to increase or restore its magnetic strength.
10.1. Increasing magnetic strength
Applying an energizing force to magnetic material to strengthen or restore its magnetic properties.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- demagnetize
- deactivate
Related Words
- magnetic field
- induction
- polarization
NOUN
11. A disruptive public demonstration
A noisy public demonstration intended to embarrass or confront a public figure or celebrity as a form of political activism.
11.1. Confrontational political protest
An organized public protest in which activists disrupt or confront a prominent person to draw attention to a political or social cause.
Synonyms
- protests
- demonstrations
- confrontations