English Dictionary

Definition of “fasten

fasten (ˈfɑːsənnPronunciation for fasten

Definitions

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. (tr)  usually foll by on to cause (blame, a nickname, etc) to be attached (to); place (on) or impute (to)
  6.  usually foll by on or upon to direct or be directed in a concentrated way; fix  ⇒ he fastened his gaze on the girl 
  7. (intr)  usually foll by on take firm hold (of)

Alternative Forms

ˈfastener noun

Word Origin

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

Usage examples

  • The shock of the cold water on my face and the necessity of bending down to fasten my shoes seemed as battering as a beating.
    Robin Hobb, THE GOLDEN FOOL: Book Two of the Tawny Man (2002)
  • Should the Rs 300-crore Jet Airways and the Rs 106.09-crore Sahara Airlines fasten their seat-belts too?
    Business Today (1996)
  • "With Miller elected, fasten your seatbelts Toronto, we're in for a great ride.
    Toronto Sun (2003)
  • OSAMA bin Laden's terror network yesterday warned America to " fasten its seatbelts" for a new wave of suicide strikes.
    Sun, News of the World (2002)
  • Keep your seat upright, put a pillow in the small of your back and fasten the seat belt snugly around your hips.
    Mayes, Kathleen, Beat Jet Lag - arrive alert and stay alert (1991)

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