Definition

1. Noun:

   • The rate at which someone or something moves or operates: "Speed" refers to how fast an object travels or an action occurs, measured as distance traveled per unit of time.
   • Rapid movement or action: "Speed" can describe the quality of moving or happening quickly.
   • (Technical) A measure of the light-gathering ability of a camera lens: In photography, "speed" refers to the ratio of the focal length to the diameter of the lens aperture.
   • (Informal) An amphetamine drug: In informal contexts, "speed" is a slang term for a type of stimulant drug.

2. Verb:

   • To move quickly: To travel or proceed at a fast rate.
   • To cause to move or happen faster: To increase the rate or progress of something.
   • To drive a vehicle faster than the legal limit: To exceed the posted speed limit while driving.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The speed of the car was over 100 kilometers per hour.
  • He completed the task with incredible speed.
  • This lens has a very fast speed, good for low-light photography.

• Verb:

  • The bullet sped toward its target.
  • We need to speed up the delivery process.
  • The police officer stopped him for speeding.

Advanced Usage

• "At speed": moving very quickly.

  • The train was traveling at speed when it passed the station.

• "Up to speed": having the latest information or operating at the required rate.

  • The new manager needs a briefing to get up to speed on the project.

• "Speed the parting guest" (archaic): to wish a departing guest a safe and successful journey.

  • He stood at the door to speed the parting guest.

Variants and Related Words

• Speedy (adj): done or occurring quickly.

  • We wish you a speedy recovery.

• Speedometer (n): an instrument in a vehicle that shows its speed.

  • He glanced at the speedometer to check his speed.

• Speedway (n): a racetrack for motor vehicles.

  • They went to watch the races at the speedway.

Synonyms

• Velocity: speed of movement in a given direction (more technical).
• Rapidity: the quality of being very fast.
• Haste: excessive speed or urgency of movement or action.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Speed up: to increase in speed or to cause something to happen faster.

  • The company needs to speed up production to meet demand.

• Speed away: to leave a place quickly in a vehicle.

  • The car sped away from the scene.

Related Idioms

• More haste, less speed: acting too quickly can actually cause delays.

  • Remember, more haste, less speed. Plan carefully.

• Full speed ahead: proceeding with maximum effort and without hesitation.

  • After the approval, the project went full speed ahead.

Noun

1. a central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and decreases appetite; used to treat narcolepsy and some forms of depression
2. the ratio of the focal length to the diameter of a (camera) lens system
3. changing location rapidly
4. a rate (usually rapid) at which something happens
   • the project advanced with gratifying speed
5. distance travelled per unit time

Verb

1. cause to move faster
   • He accelerated the car
2. travel at an excessive or illegal velocity
   • I got a ticket for speeding
3. move very fast
   • The runner zipped past us at breakneck speed
4. move faster
   • The car accelerated
5. move fast
   • He rushed down the hall to receive his guests
   • The cars raced down the street