fasten

[ fas-uhn, fah-suhn ]
See synonyms for: fastenfastenedfasteningfastens on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
  1. to attach firmly or securely in place; fix securely to something else.

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

  1. to enclose securely, as a person or an animal (usually followed by in): to fasten a monkey in a cage.

  2. to attach, associate, or connect: to fasten a nickname on someone.

  3. 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.

  1. to take a firm hold; seize (usually followed by on or upon): to fasten on an idea.

  2. to focus attention; concentrate (usually followed by on or upon): His gaze fastened on the jewels.

Origin of fasten

1
before 900; Middle English fastenen,Old English fæstnian; cognate with Old Norse fastna to betroth; akin to fast1

Other words for fasten

Other words from fasten

  • re·fas·ten, verb (used with object)
  • well-fastened, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use fasten in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for fasten

fasten

/ (ˈfɑːsən) /


verb
  1. to make or become fast or secure

  2. to make or become attached or joined

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

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

  3. (tr usually foll by on) to cause (blame, a nickname, etc) to be attached (to); place (on) or impute (to)

  4. (usually foll by on or upon) to direct or be directed in a concentrated way; fix: he fastened his gaze on the girl

  5. (intr usually foll by on) take firm hold (of)

Origin of fasten

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

Derived forms of fasten

  • fastener, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012