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

And be so kind as to fasten the lid.

Read more on Literature

“Whether it is a nuthatch or a warbler is perhaps a matter for debate,” Penelope said briskly as she shut the wide-open nursery windows and fastened the latch for good measure.

Read more on Literature

Under the direction of the king’s brother-in-law Charles Brandon, extremely strong cables were attached to the Mary Rose and then fastened to two large surface ships sailing on either side of the sunken vessel.

Read more on Literature

The sense of fear is palpable in parts of northern Japan, where some locals have fastened bells to their bags hoping the noise will keep bears away, while signs warn people to be on guard.

Read more on Barron's

But the bay vacated by the ice shelf was eventually filled with sea-ice "fastened" to the seabed, helping to partly stabilise Hektoria.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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