zero out
verb1
To reduce to zero.
- The bill was over $400, but the server zeroed it out as a gesture of gratitude.
2
To cut off funding for (a project).
3
Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences To fill with zeros, replacing any previous contents.
- to zero out an array
4
Communications, Electrical engineering, Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Telecommunications To press or dial 0 in order to escape a voicemail recording facility and speak to an operator.
5
Slang To go bankrupt.
- What if he zeroed out on this case? He had spent the Carson case nest egg and was in hock for the next ten years if he had to pay what he was borrowing.2010, R. Thomas Roe, Palm Beach Gold, page 169: