fastening

[ fas-uh-ning, fah-suh- ]

/ ˈfæs ə nɪŋ, ˈfɑ sə- /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR fastening ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

something that fastens, as a lock or clasp.

Words nearby fastening

fast-twitch, fastback, fastball, fasten, fastener, fastening, fastidious, fastie, fastigiate, fastigium, fastness

Origin of fastening

Middle English word dating back to 1125–75; see origin at fasten, -ing¹

Definition for fastening (2 of 2)

fasten

[ fas-uhn, fah-suhn ]

/ ˈfæs ən, ˈfɑ sən /

verb (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 by in): 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 or upon): to fasten on an idea.

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

Origin of fasten

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

SYNONYMS FOR fasten

1 connect, link, hook, clasp, clinch, rivet, clamp, bind, tie, tether.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR fasten ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM fasten

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for fastening

He starts by tying a cable onto the rear axle of the car, fastening the other end to a post.
April Fool’s! Hollywood’s Biggest Pranks|Anna Klassen|April 1, 2012|DAILY BEAST
They then both set to work trying to discover some way of fastening it by which it would not slip down the rope.
Saint George for England|G. A. Henty
Esther's mother had made herself ready for her walk by fastening a bright red shawl over her head.
Our Little Jewish Cousin|Mary Hazelton Wade
Moredock obeyed, screening his lanthorn, and then climbing on to the oak chest and drawing in and fastening the hasp.
The Man with a Shadow|George Manville Fenn

As he spoke a sudden gust of wind struck us, and tore the nodding ostrich plume from its fastening on Umbelazi's head-ring.
Child of Storm|H. Rider Haggard
A man could build a tent on them, by fastening them together, and live there.
The River Motor Boat Boys on the Mississippi|Harry Gordon

British Dictionary definitions for fastening (1 of 2)

fastening

/ (ˈfɑːsənɪŋ) /

noun

something that fastens, such as a clasp or lock

British Dictionary definitions for fastening (2 of 2)

fasten

/ (ˈfɑːsən) /

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

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

(usually foll by on or upon) to direct or be directed in a concentrated way; fixhe fastened his gaze on the girl

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

Derived forms of fasten

fastener, noun

Word Origin for fasten

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

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

fastening

noun

Words related to fastening

Words nearby fastening

Origin of fastening

Definition for fastening (2 of 2)

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

Origin of fasten

SYNONYMS FOR fasten

OTHER WORDS FROM fasten

Examples from the Web for fastening

British Dictionary definitions for fastening (1 of 2)

noun

British Dictionary definitions for fastening (2 of 2)

verb

Derived forms of fasten

Word Origin for fasten