fasten

[ fas-uhn, fah-suhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to attach firmly or securely in place; fix securely to something else.

   Synonyms: tether, tie, bind, clamp, rivet, clinch, clasp, hook, link, connect

2. to make secure, as an article of dress with buttons, clasps, etc., or a door with a lock, bolt, etc.
3. to enclose securely, as a person or an animal (usually followed by in ):

   to fasten a monkey in a cage.

4. to attach, associate, or connect:

   to fasten a nickname on someone.

5. 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.

3. to take a firm hold; seize (usually followed by on or upon ):

   to fasten on an idea.

4. to focus attention; concentrate (usually followed by on or upon ):

   His gaze fastened on the jewels.

fasten

/ ˈfɑːsən /

verb

1. to make or become fast or secure
2. to make or become attached or joined
3. to close or become closed by fixing firmly in place, locking, etc
4. tr; foll by in or up to enclose or imprison
5. trusually foll byon to cause (blame, a nickname, etc) to be attached (to); place (on) or impute (to)
6. usually foll byon or upon to direct or be directed in a concentrated way; fix

   he fastened his gaze on the girl

7. intrusually foll byon take firm hold (of)

Derived Forms

• ˈfastener, noun

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fasten¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fasten¹

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

Example Sentences

The result is an oversized denim work jacket fastened by frog buttons; long denim aprons, inspired by matriarch “Popo” Wendy Leon’s years in formal catering, also use denim and frog buttons.

From Los Angeles Times

Because the home hasn’t been fastened tightly to the foundation, the house can slide or topple off its foundation in an earthquake, potentially leading to hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.

From Los Angeles Times

Valenzuela sensed this, and one day I was carefully navigating around his locker when I felt a rope fasten around my foot.

From Los Angeles Times

They fasten scarves on their visitors’ heads with a neat, pearl-topped pin.

From BBC

She named the puppy Lemon and fastened a bright yellow collar around her neck.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adhere
• affix
• attach
• bolt
• glue
• nail
• screw
• solder
• tighten
• truss
• weld