Zoom
/zuːm/noun
To move or travel very quickly, or to enlarge an image or view digitally.
Did you know?The English word zoom was popularized in the 20th century as an imitative sound-word, and its sudden rise mirrors how language can mimic motion itself.
Etymological Timeline
19th Century
English
zoom
“An imitative word used for a rapid movement or buzzing sound”
20th Century
English
zoom
“To move very quickly; to make a rising, rushing sound”
1960s
English
zoom lens
“A camera lens that can change focal length smoothly”
1990s
English
zoom
“To enlarge a digital image on a screen”
Modern English
English
zoom
“To move fast or enlarge a view digitally”