FASTEN

verb (~ed; ~ing) Etymology: Middle English fastnen, from Old English fæstnian to make fast; akin to Old High German festinōn to make fast, Old English fæst fast Date: before 12th century transitive verb 1. to attach especially by pinning, tying, or nailing, to make fast and secure, to fix firmly or securely, to secure against opening, to fix or set steadily , to take a firm grip with , 4. to attach (oneself) persistently and usually objectionably, to place forcefully ; impose , intransitive verb to become fast or fixed, 2. to take a firm grip or hold, to focus attention, ~er noun Synonyms: see: ~