fasten

fas·ten

verb \ˈfa-s^ən\

fas·tenedfas·ten·ing \ˈfas-niŋ, ˈfa-s^ən-iŋ\

Definition of FASTEN

transitive verb

1

a : to attach especially by pinning, tying, or nailing

b : to make fast and secure

c : to fix firmly or securely

d : to secure against opening

2

: to fix or set steadily <fastened her attention on the main problem>

3

: to take a firm grip with <the dog fastened its teeth in the shoe>

4

a : to attach (oneself) persistently and usually objectionably

b : to place forcefully : impose <fastened the blame on the wrong person>

intransitive verb

1

: to become fast or fixed

2

a : to take a firm grip or hold

b : to focus attention

— fas·ten·er \ˈfas-nər, ˈfa-s^ən-ər\ noun

Examples of FASTEN

1. fastening clothes on a clothesline
2. He fastened the dog's leash to a post and went into the store.
3. two boards fastened together by nails
4. a decorative clasp that could be used to fasten a cape or cloak
5. a shoe that fastens with a buckle
6. This dress fastens in the back.
7. She twisted her hair into a bun and fastened it with bobby pins.
8. Make sure the lid is tightly fastened.
9. The lock was so damaged it wouldn't fasten.
10. He fastened his hands on my arm and wouldn't let go.

Origin of FASTEN

Middle English fastnen, from Old English fæstnian to make fast; akin to Old High German festinōn to make fast, Old English fæst fast

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to FASTEN

Synonyms

affix, attach, bend, fix

Antonyms

detach, undo, unfasten, unhook

Related Words

adhere, bolt, cinch, clamp, clasp, clench, clinch, clip, glue, hang, harness, hasp, lace, lash, latch, nail, paste, pin, plaster, rivet, screw, shackle, staple, stick, strap, tack, tackle, tie, toggle, yoke; coapt, connect, join, link, unite; reaffix, reattach, refasten, refix, resecure; batten, belay, button, do up

Near Antonyms

break up, disconnect, disjoin, disjoint, dissever, dissociate, disunite, divide, divorce, part, separate, sever, split, sunder, uncouple, unlink, unyoke; loose, loosen; unbind, unfix, unlash, untie

Synonym Discussion of FASTEN

fasten, fix, attach, affix mean to make something stay firmly in place. fasten implies an action such as tying, buttoning, nailing, locking, or otherwise securing <fasten the reins to a post>. fix usually implies a driving in, implanting, or embedding <fixed the stake in the ground>. attach suggests a connecting or uniting by a bond, link, or tie in order to keep things together <attach the W-2 form here>. affix implies an imposing of one thing on another by gluing, impressing, or nailing <affix your address label here>.