zero out

To change an amount or reading so that it becomes zero.

• Press this button to zero out the counter.
• The shop zeroed out the delivery charge.
• Can we zero these balances out before closing the accounts?

How to use it: zero out something / zero something out (The refund zeroed out my balance.)

Similar words: reset, clear

Common phrases: zero out something, zero something out, zero out balances

To stop providing any money for a project or activity.

• The council zeroed out the project.
• They plan to zero out funding for the research centre.
• Will the next budget zero these grants out?

How to use it: zero out something / zero something out (The new budget zeros out the training programme.)

Similar words: defund, cut funding for

Opposites: fund

Common phrases: zero out funding, zero out something, zero something out

To replace all the information in a computer memory area or file with zeros.

• Zero out the array first.
• The program zeroed out the unused memory.
• Does this tool zero out every byte on the disk?

How to use it: zero out something / zero something out (The code zeros out the buffer.)

Similar words: zero-fill

Common phrases: zero out memory, zero out something, zero something out

To press zero during a recorded telephone message to speak to a person instead.

• You can zero out during the message.
• I zeroed out and asked the operator for help.
• Callers who zero out are connected to the front desk.

Common phrases: zero out immediately, zero out during something

To lose all your money and become unable to pay your debts.

• The company zeroed out last year.
• He feared his business would zero out after another bad season.
• Several small firms zeroed out when their largest customer stopped paying.

Similar words: go bankrupt, go bust

Common phrases: zero out financially, zero out completely

To kill someone.

• They threatened to zero him out.
• The killer zeroed out the witness before the trial.
• His orders were to zero out anyone who resisted.

How to use it: zero out someone / zero someone out (The gang planned to zero him out.)

Similar words: kill, eliminate

Common phrases: zero out someone, zero someone out