fastness

[ fast-nis, fahst- ]

/ ˈfæst nɪs, ˈfɑst- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR fastness ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a secure or fortified place; stronghold: a mountain fastness.

the state of being fixed or firm: the fastness of democratic institutions.

the state of being rapid.

RELATED WORDS

haste, speed, rapidity

Nearby words

fastening, fastidious, fastie, fastigiate, fastigium, fastness, fastuous, fat, fat body, fat camp, fat cat

Origin of fastness

before 900; Middle English; Old English fæstnes. See fast¹, -ness

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for fastness

He was insulted by the emperor from his fastness at Ravenna.
History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, Volume I (of 2)|John William Draper
Edwin had to brace himself again, for an assault upon the fastness of the stationmaster.
Hilda Lessways|Arnold Bennett
Not even a hunter would find it necessary to penetrate this fastness.
The Heritage of the Hills|Arthur P. Hankins
His spirit retired far into its fastness, taking with it all his energies.
The Leopard Woman|Stewart Edward White

Should they go on their way, leaving the unfriendly chief in the security of his fastness?
Sea-Dogs All!|Tom Bevan

British Dictionary definitions for fastness

fastness

/ (ˈfɑːstnɪs) /

noun

a stronghold; fortress

the state or quality of being firm or secure

the ability of a dye to remain permanent and not run or fade

archaic swiftness

Word Origin for fastness

Old English fæstnes; 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