- a function of an audio or video recorder or player, as a cassette deck or DVR, that allows the content to be advanced rapidly.
- the button or other control that activates this function.
- to advance an audio or video recording rapidly: I always fast-forward through the TV ads that get recorded on my DVR.
- 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!
- the control on a tape deck or video recorder used to wind the tape or video forward at speed
- a state of urgency or rapid progress
- to wind (a video or tape) forward using the fast-forward control
- to deal with speedily
- to move forward through a tape or video using the fast-forward control
- to direct one's attention towards a particular time or event, ignoring intervening material
