high-octane

[ hahy-ok-teyn ]

adjective

1. noting a gasoline with a relatively high octane number, characterized by high efficiency and freedom from knock.
2. Informal. forceful or intense; dynamic; high-powered:

   high-octane efforts to obliterate the competition.

high-octane

adjective

1. (of petrol) having a high octane number
2. informal.
   dynamic, forceful, or intense

   high-octane drive and efficiency

Word History and Origins

Origin of high-octane¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Paterson—the father of recent Governor David Paterson—was a high-octane lawyer who held a number of appointive positions.

From The Daily Beast

This episode illuminates the omnipresent peril the current president faces in having such a high-profile, high-octane frenemy.

From The Daily Beast

The tight battle reflects the high-octane energy among GOP voters.

From The Daily Beast

For his role in the frustration of Obamacare, this Lieberman became the object of high-octane contempt.

From The Daily Beast

You have described her as a “self-sufficient, high-octane machine.”

From The Daily Beast

A sigh of relief spilled from his lips when he saw that he still had enough high octane for thirty-five minutes of flying.

From Project Gutenberg

Lastly, it was doomed by the advent of high octane gasolines, first used while it was still in the development stage.

From Project Gutenberg

Suffice it to say that it is a high octane preparation, only a drop of whichbut you know the effects of Moon Glow, of course.

From Project Gutenberg