fasten

[fas-uhn, fah-suhn]

verb (used with object)

1. to attach firmly or securely in place; fix securely to something else.

   Synonyms: tether, tie, bind, clamp, rivet, clinch, clasp, hook, link, connect

2. to make secure, as an article of dress with buttons, clasps, etc., or a door with a lock, bolt, etc.

3. to enclose securely, as a person or an animal (usually followed byin ).

   to fasten a monkey in a cage.

4. to attach, associate, or connect.

   to fasten a nickname on someone.

5. to direct (the eyes, thoughts, etc.) intently.

   to fasten one's eyes on a speaker.

verb (used without object)

1. to become fast, fixed, or firm.

2. to close firmly or securely; lock.

   This clasp won't fasten.

3. to take a firm hold; seize (usually followed by on orupon ).

   to fasten on an idea.

4. to focus attention; concentrate (usually followed by on orupon ).

   His gaze fastened on the jewels.

fasten

/ ˈfɑːsən /

verb

1. to make or become fast or secure

2. to make or become attached or joined

3. to close or become closed by fixing firmly in place, locking, etc

4. (tr; foll by in or up) to enclose or imprison

5. to cause (blame, a nickname, etc) to be attached (to); place (on) or impute (to)

6. to direct or be directed in a concentrated way; fix

   he fastened his gaze on the girl

7. take firm hold (of)

Other Word Forms

• refasten verb (used with object)
• well-fastened adjective
• fastener noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fasten¹

before 900; Middle English fastenen, Old English fæstnian; cognate with Old Norse fastna to betroth; akin to fast ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of fasten¹

Old English fæstnian ; related to Old Norse fastna to pledge, Old High German fastinōn to make fast; see _fast ¹

Example Sentences

Her bathroom became a toilet she fastened on top of her septic tank outside and exposed for her neighbors to see — had any of them come back.

From Los Angeles Times

Reusable pads look similar to disposable ones but are usually made from cotton or bamboo and fasten around your underwear with poppers.

From BBC

“We all fastened our seat belts because we’re Venezuelans — we weren’t supposed to be there” in El Salvador, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

But it might mean more time sitting down, with the seat-belt fastened.

From BBC

Like a pilot calmly instructing passengers to fasten their seat belts, Nielson suggested I wrap the fire-resistant “shroud” hanging from my bright yellow helmet around my face.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adhere 
• affix 
• attach 
• bolt 
• glue 
• nail 
• screw 
• solder 
• tighten 
• truss 
• weld