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Warp speed is an example of a phrase that entered the public consciousness through science fiction and eventually gained enough popularity to end up in the dictionary. The expression was popularized on the science-fiction show Star Trek in the 1960s. On the show, warp speed referred to a specific concept, namely the idea of faster-than-light travel. Within a relatively short period of time, Star Trek gained a devoted and intense following. Fans were soon discussing the fictional concepts of the show, including warp speed, with great enthusiasm. Eventually, the term warp speed was adopted by the general population. In the process, however, it lost its specific fictional meaning and came to mean simply "the highest possible speed."
Examples of warp speed in a Sentence
William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
And believe me, the warp speed of Trump’s rejection of America’s closest allies over the past two weeks in favor of a Kremlin war criminal is not easy to grasp.
—Trudy Rubin, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2025
Working hand-in-hand with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Scott has become a staple on cable and national news surrounding the warp speed of bridge reconstruction.
—Richard Fowler, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
Now, the entire situation has flipped and the progress is happening at warp speed.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for warp speed
Cite this Entry
“Warp speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/warp%20speed. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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