Blit

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. A sudden, intense attack or effort often related to military actions or aggressive moves ; a rapid and overwhelming display of activity or effort in various contexts ; to strike or assault quickly and decisively with overwhelming force
2. An abrupt and powerful offensive maneuver typically in warfare ; a swift and concentrated burst of energy or activity in performance or action ; to perform an act of aggressive speed or intensity aimed at overcoming opposition
3. A fast and forceful military assault intended to surprise or overpower ; an energetic and speedy attempt to achieve or accomplish something ; to act with rapid and strong force to achieve a quick outcome

Etymology: The verb and noun "blit" began as a piece of programmer's jargon. It is a shortening of "BitBLT," the name of a computer graphics operation standing for "bit-block transfer," in which a rectangular block of pixels is copied from one area of memory to another in a single fast operation. The shortened form is pronounced "bit blit." The military and performance senses came later and by analogy. The image is of a sudden, concentrated block of force or activity moved quickly into a new position, much as the software copied a block of bits in one swift stroke. Programmers' habit of turning technical operations into verbs ("to blit an image") gave the word its action sense, and from there it spread to describe a fast, forceful push against an opponent.

Synonyms: paint, draw, copy, render, transfer