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
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
In exchange for the beauty of living life in Topanga, some folks will learn to accept the risk and do what they can to mitigate it: Harden a home, fasten a seat belt.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 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
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
I let Richard try on my armor and have him fasten the belt around his waist so he can feel the weight of the sword, too.
From "Blood on the River" by Elisa Carbone
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.
