verb (used without object) (often fol. by out)
- to become unconscious from alcohol or narcotic drugs; pass out.
- to fall soundly asleep or relax completely: I’ve got to go home and zonk out.
verb (used with object)
- to stupefy, as by alcohol or narcotic drugs.
- to sedate or anesthetize: If the pain gets too bad the doctors will zonk you.
- to strike or defeat soundly; knock out; clobber.
1950, “to hit hard;” 1968, “to put into a stupor;” slang term, of echoic origin.