fasten

verb fas·ten \ˈfa-s^ən\

: 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-s^ən-iŋ\

Full Definition of FASTEN

transitive verb

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

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

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

a : to attach (oneself) persistently and usually objectionably

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

intransitive verb

: to become fast or fixed

a : to take a firm grip or hold

b : to focus attention

— fas·ten·er \ˈfas-nər, ˈfa-s^ən-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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to FASTEN

Synonyms: affix, attach, bend, fix

Antonyms: detach, undo, unfasten, unhook

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>.

FASTENED Defined for Kids