fast forward

¹ American  

[fast fawr-werd, fahst-] / ˈfæst ˈfɔr wərd, ˈfɑst- /

noun

1. a function of an audio or video recorder or player, as a cassette deck or DVR, that allows the content to be advanced rapidly.

2. the button or other control that activates this function.

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fast-forward ² American  

[fast-fawr-werd, fahst-] / ˈfæstˈfɔr wərd, ˈfɑst- /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to advance an audio or video recording rapidly.

   I always fast-forward through the TV ads that get recorded on my DVR.

2. to skip over a period of time and arrive at a future point in the timeline, especially in narration.

   Fast-forward six months, she’s gotten engaged and is moving to Europe!

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fast-forward British  

noun

1. (sometimes not hyphenated) the control on a tape deck or video recorder used to wind the tape or video forward at speed

2. informal a state of urgency or rapid progress

   my mind went into fast forward

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verb

1. (tr) to wind (a video or tape) forward using the fast-forward control

2. to deal with speedily

   fast-forward the trials of the new drug

3. (intr) to move forward through a tape or video using the fast-forward control

4. (usually foll by to) to direct one's attention towards a particular time or event, ignoring intervening material

   fast-forward to the summer of 2008

Etymology

Origin of fast-forward

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Fast forward to today when an appearance in the Justice Department’s file dump can potentially ruin your life.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fast forward six months and Hunt, who will compete for further global honours over 60m at this weekend's World Indoor Championships in Poland, is offering as much guidance to those inspired by her achievements as her busy schedule will allow.

From BBC

But fast forward four years and you find deep energy-linked frustration in the heart of Europe once again.

From BBC

Fast forward to 2026, when the avenues to make affordable payments or obtain forgiveness have dried up.

From Salon

Goldblum reassured her, promising that in the blink of an eye, we would fast forward decades into the future, where it would be "the longest-running show ever".

From BBC