1. To attach firmly to something else, as by pinning or nailing. 2a. To make fast or secure. b. To close, as by fixing firmly in place. 3. To fix or direct steadily: fastened her gaze on the stranger.4. To place; attribute: fastened the blame on the weather.5. To impose (oneself) without welcome.
INTRANSITIVE VERB:
1. To become attached, fixed, or joined. 2. To take firm hold; cling fast: fasten on a notion.3. To focus steadily; concentrate: All eyes fastened on the speaker.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English fastnen, from Old English fæstnian. See past- in Appendix I.
OTHER FORMS:
fasten·er —NOUN
SYNONYMS:
fasten, anchor, fix, moor1, secure These verbs mean to cause to remain firmly in position or place: fastened our seat belts; anchored the television antenna to the roof; fixed the flagpole in concrete; will moor the rowboat at the dock; secured the bolt after closing the door.
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