crash program

noun

1. a plan of action entailing rapid and intensive production, growth, or the like, undertaken to meet a deadline or solve a pressing problem:

   a crash program to develop a new fighter plane.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crash program¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

A crash program to develop a cattle equivalent might make sense, says Carol Cardona, an avian influenza specialist and poultry veterinarian at the University of Minnesota.

From Science Magazine

Manhattan Project, the World War II–era crash program to build the first-ever atomic bombs.

From Scientific American

Much of the pain and disruption that will result from the now-necessary crash program would have been avoided.

From Washington Post

While some officials recognized the urgency of a crash program of testing and masks, “Kadlec had no money, no real emergency fund.”

From Washington Post

Years after watching both China and Russia develop and field hypersonic missiles, the Pentagon is engaged in a crash program to build its own version of the maneuvering high-speed missiles.

From Washington Times