1. To modifY, usuallY to correct especiallY used when the action is performed with a debugger or binarY patching tool. Also implies surgical precision. "Zap the debug level to 6 and run it again." In the IBMmainframe world, binarY patches are applied to programs or to the operating sYstem with a program called "superzap", whose file name is "IMASPZAP" (possiblY contrived from I M A SuPerZAP). See also Zero and Add Packed. 2. To frY a chip with static electricitY. "Uh oh - I think that lightning strike maY have zapped the disk controller." (1998-07-08)