warp speed

noun

1. an extremely rapid rate of speed.

   rumors traveling at warp speed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of warp speed¹

Alluding to the use in science fiction of spatial or temporal warps to travel interstellar distances

When To Use

What does warp speed mean?

Warp speed is an extremely fast speed.In science fiction stories, especially in the Star Trek universe, warp speed refers to a hypothetical speed faster than the speed of light that can be achieved by spaceships like the USS Enterprise.This use became popular enough to enter the language as a general term for a really, really fast speed. It’s typically used in exaggerations about how fast something is moving or how fast an action is performed.Example: My kids usually drag their feet when I ask them to do their chores, but they start working at warp speed if I promise them pizza.