warp speed

American  

noun

1. an extremely rapid rate of speed.

   rumors traveling at warp speed.

---

Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of warp speed

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

Example Sentences

And for those that did sneak through, the rest of the immune system was "poised, ready to fend off these in warp speed time" said Prof Bali Pulendran, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Stanford.

From BBC

Like the film itself, Van Der Beek darts between personalities at warp speed.

From Salon

Getting there at warp speed isn’t really necessary.

From The Wall Street Journal

Perna, who helped lead Operation Warp Speed to develop the Covid-19 vaccine, said he advised Almonty Industries but doesn’t get involved in deals.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its push for warp speed progress stretches from the wealthy tech hubs on China’s coast to remote outposts a thousand miles inland.

From The Wall Street Journal