fast-forward (redirected from fast-forwarding)

fast-for·ward (fst-fôrwrd)

n. or fast forward

1.

a. A function on an electronic recording device, such as a videocassette or tape player, that permits rapid advancement of the tape.

b. The mechanism, such as a button, used to activate this function.

2. Informal A rapidly changing situation or series of events: "The trial was on fast forward" (Nelson DeMille).

v. fast-for·ward·ed, fast-for·ward·ing, fast-for·wards

v.intr.

To advance a tape rapidly on an electronic recording device.

v.tr.

To advance (a tape) rapidly on such a device.

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fast-forward

n

1. (sometimes not hyphenated) (Electronics) 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

vb

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. (Electronics) (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 2001

[from the fast-forward wind control in a tape deck]