First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
fasten
verb fas·ten \ˈfa-sən\
: to attach (something) or join (two things or two parts of something) especially by using a pin, nail, etc.
of parts of something : to become attached or joined
: to put something in a position or location in such a way that it will not move
fas·tenedfas·ten·ing \ˈfas-niŋ, ˈfa-sən-iŋ\
Full 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-sən-ər\ noun
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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
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>.
FASTEN'S Defined for Kids
fasten
verb fas·ten \ˈfa-sən\
fas·tenedfas·ten·ing
Definition of FASTEN for Kids
1
: to attach or join by or as if by pinning, tying, or nailing <She fastened the papers together.>
2
: to make firm and secure <Fasten your seat belt.>
3
: to become fixed or joined <The dress fastens in the back.>
— fas·ten·er noun
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