fasten
Americanverb (used with object)
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to attach firmly or securely in place; fix securely to something else.
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to make secure, as an article of dress with buttons, clasps, etc., or a door with a lock, bolt, etc.
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to enclose securely, as a person or an animal (usually followed byin ).
to fasten a monkey in a cage.
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to attach, associate, or connect.
to fasten a nickname on someone.
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to direct (the eyes, thoughts, etc.) intently.
to fasten one's eyes on a speaker.
verb (used without object)
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to become fast, fixed, or firm.
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to close firmly or securely; lock.
This clasp won't fasten.
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to take a firm hold; seize (usually followed by on orupon ).
to fasten on an idea.
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to focus attention; concentrate (usually followed by on orupon ).
His gaze fastened on the jewels.
verb
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to make or become fast or secure
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to make or become attached or joined
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to close or become closed by fixing firmly in place, locking, etc
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(tr; foll by in or up) to enclose or imprison
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to cause (blame, a nickname, etc) to be attached (to); place (on) or impute (to)
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to direct or be directed in a concentrated way; fix
he fastened his gaze on the girl
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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
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
Raise your tray tables and your reclining seats, and fasten your seat belts.
From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2025
After telling Ms Harris to fasten her seatbelt, Ms Buell said the soon-to-be Democratic nominee quipped, “I was born with a seatbelt.”
From BBC • Aug. 17, 2024
During the turbulence, it said a pilot was heard calling out saying the fasten seat belt sign had been switched on.
From Seattle Times • May 29, 2024
Hypnotized, Nhamo watched Masvita fasten a blue charm around her arm.
From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer
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.
