fasten
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to attach firmly or securely in place; fix securely to something else.
-
to make secure, as an article of dress with buttons, clasps, etc., or a door with a lock, bolt, etc.
-
to enclose securely, as a person or an animal (usually followed byin ).
to fasten a monkey in a cage.
-
to attach, associate, or connect.
to fasten a nickname on someone.
-
to direct (the eyes, thoughts, etc.) intently.
to fasten one's eyes on a speaker.
verb (used without object)
-
to become fast, fixed, or firm.
-
to close firmly or securely; lock.
This clasp won't fasten.
-
to take a firm hold; seize (usually followed by on orupon ).
to fasten on an idea.
-
to focus attention; concentrate (usually followed by on orupon ).
His gaze fastened on the jewels.
verb
-
to make or become fast or secure
-
to make or become attached or joined
-
to close or become closed by fixing firmly in place, locking, etc
-
(tr; foll by in or up) to enclose or imprison
-
to cause (blame, a nickname, etc) to be attached (to); place (on) or impute (to)
-
to direct or be directed in a concentrated way; fix
he fastened his gaze on the girl
-
take firm hold (of)
Other Word Forms
- fastener noun
- refasten verb (used with object)
- well-fastened adjective
Etymology
Origin of fasten
before 900; Middle English fastenen, Old English fæstnian; cognate with Old Norse fastna to betroth; akin to fast 1
Explanation
When you fasten something, you close or attach it. You might fasten your coat, closing each snap, when the sun goes down and the air gets chilly. People fasten all kinds of things: we all fasten our seat belts when we board an airplane and fasten our bathrobes by tying them in the front. Your ski goggles might fasten onto your helmet, just as your boots fasten onto your skis. You can also say that you fasten your hair with a barrette or fasten a charm bracelet around your wrist. The Old English root is fæstnian, "make fast or firm."
Vocabulary lists containing fasten
"A Universe of Stars"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Core Curriculum: Introductory Craft Skills," Vocabulary from Module Four
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
And Then, Boom!
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At designer Rowen Rose, a large orange stone was used to fasten a green or yellow scarf to a matching sweater.
From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026
They fasten scarves on their visitors’ heads with a neat, pearl-topped pin.
From BBC • Oct. 3, 2024
She urged drivers to “understand your emotional state” before getting behind the wheel and to remember to fasten their seat belts.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2024
One canoe is also associated with three T-shaped wooden objects, each with a series of holes that were likely used to fasten ropes tied to sails or other nautical elements.
From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2024
Now, if everyone would please fasten your seat belts, we’ll take off!”
From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
