fasten

verb

FA-suhn/ˈfæsn̩/UKFAH-suhn/ˈfɑːsn̩/

Formsfastens, fastening, fastened

2 meanings of fasten

1
verbtransitive or intransitive
To join two things together tightly so they stay in place.
Like clicking two toy bricks together so they hold tight.
Please fasten your seatbelt before the car starts moving.
She fastened the buttons on her winter coat.
Similarattach, secure, fix, join, connect
Oppositeunfasten, detach, loosen, undo
Note
2
verbtransitive
To make something, like a punch, land on someone and really have an effect.
The boxer managed to fasten a solid blow on his rival's jaw.
From across the yard, Tom fastened a snowball right on his sister's back.
Similarland, deliver, plant, inflict
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Old English fæstnian, meaning to make firm. It comes from 'fast' plus '-en'.