fasten
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
fastens;
fastened;
fastening
fastens;
fastened;
fastening
Britannica Dictionary definition of FASTEN
1
a
[+ object]
:
to attach (something) or join (two things or two parts of something) especially by using a pin, nail, etc.
-
fastening clothes on/onto a clothesline
-
He fastened the dog's leash to a post and went into the store.
-
two boards fastened together by/with nails
-
a decorative clasp that could be used to fasten a cape or cloak
b
[no object]
of parts of something
:
to become attached or joined
-
a shoe that fastens with a buckle
-
This dress fastens in the back.
2
a
[+ object]
:
to put something in a position or location in such a way that it will not move
-
Fasten your seat belt.
-
She twisted her hair into a bun and fastened it with bobby pins.
-
Make sure the lid is tightly fastened.
b
:
to close and lock (something, such as a window or door)
[+ object]
-
Make sure that the doors and windows are all (securely) fastened.
[no object]
-
The lock was so damaged it wouldn't fasten.
3
:
to grip and hold something with (your hand, teeth, etc.)
[+ object]
-
He fastened his hands on/around my arm and wouldn't let go.
-
The dog fastened its teeth on my sleeve.
[no object]
-
His hands fastened on/around my arm.
fasten on
[phrasal verb]
fasten (something) on (something)
or
fasten on (something)
:
to direct (something, such as your eyes or attention) to (something)
-
They fastened their eyes on the distant ship. [=they looked at it steadily]
-
She fastened her attention on the problem. [=she gave all her attention to the problem]
-
They had fastened the blame on the wrong man. [=they had blamed the wrong man]
-
She fastened [=pinned] (all) her hopes on getting the job.
fasten onto
[phrasal verb]
fasten onto (something)
:
to grip and tightly hold (something)
— often used figuratively
-
The stranger fastened onto my arm and wouldn't let go.
-
Once he fastens onto a subject he just won't let it drop.
-
windows held shut by rusty fasteners
