high-octane

American  

[hahy-ok-teyn] / ˈhaɪˈɒk teɪn /

adjective

1. noting a gasoline with a relatively high octane number, characterized by high efficiency and freedom from knock.

2. Informal. forceful or intense; dynamic; high-powered.

   high-octane efforts to obliterate the competition.

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high-octane British  

adjective

1. (of petrol) having a high octane number

2. informal dynamic, forceful, or intense

   high-octane drive and efficiency

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Etymology

Origin of high-octane

First recorded in 1930–35

Explanation

Use the adjective high-octane for premium fuel that's better for a car's engine, or to describe anything particularly strong or powerful, like your dad's high-octane coffee that wakes him up in the morning. Different kinds of fuel have different octane numbers or ratings. The higher this number is, the better the fuel withstands being compressed in an engine, without pockets of air causing it to burn unevenly and cause a metallic knocking sound. High-octane describes good fuel, but it's also come to mean "supercharged" or "energetic." A high-octane play on the football field is thrilling to watch, and a high-octane movie will keep you on the edge of you seat.

Example Sentences

The group gave it their all despite the weather, delivering a high-octane, pulse-quickening, complete with a 23-song setlist.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The result is a high-octane cat and mouse hunt like no other in modern movie history.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

Over the years, the franchise has see-sawed between focusing on terror and high-octane action, with mixed results.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Weisz has done everything from quirky indie films to prestige drama to high-octane action to Marvel.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

We were now to live careful, yellow lives rather than the high-octane orange ones we’d been leading.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx