zap out

zap out

1. To eliminate something that is unwanted or undesirable using some intense, eradicating energy or force, such as radiation or electricity. The controversial procedure uses a series of controlled electrical shocks to zap out violent or negative impulses. The electromagnetic device claims to zap out 99% of germs in a room after a single 30-second cycle.2. To deplete the resources of someone, something, or oneself. A noun or pronoun can be used between "zap" and "out." The freak snow storm quickly zapped out the city's meager supply of salt used to keep the roads free of ice. The grueling work schedule zapped me out of all my energy.See also: out, zap

zap out

Interrupt or delete unwanted parts of a television program or video, as in We've taped the show and now we can zap out all the commercials. [c. 1980] See also: out, zap