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

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

Word Origin and History for fastness

fastness

"a place not easily forced, a stronghold," late Old English fæstnes, from fast (adj.) in its older sense of "firm, fixed in place" + -ness.