n.
Pronunciation: ' fast
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English fæst; akin to Old High German festi firm, Old Norse fastr, Armenian hast
Date: before 12th century
1 a : firmly fixed <roots fast in the ground> b : tightly shut <the drawers were fast > c : adhering firmly d : not easily freed : STUCK <a ball fast in the mouth of the cannon> e : STABLE <movable items were made fast to the deck>
2 : firmly loyal <became fast friends>
3 a : characterized by quick motion, operation, or effect: (1) : moving or able to move rapidly : SWIFT (2) : taking a comparatively short time (3) : imparting quickness of motion <a fast bowler> (4) : accomplished quickly (5) : agile of mind especially : quick to learn <a class for fast students> b : conducive to rapidity of play or action c (1) of a timepiece or weighing device : indicating in advance of what is correct (2) : according to or being daylight saving time d : contributing to a shortening of exposure time < fast film> e : acquired with unusually little effort and often by shady or dishonest methods <had a keen eye for a fast buck ― R. A. Keith>
4 a : securely attached <a rope fast to the wharf> b : TENACIOUS <a fast hold on her purse>
5 a archaic : sound asleep b of sleep : not easily disturbed
6 : not fading or changing color readily
7 a : WILD <a pretty fast crowd> b : sexually promiscuous
8 : resistant to change (as from destructive action or fading) < fast dyes> ― often used in combination <sun fast > <acid- fast bacteria>
synonyms FAST , RAPID , SWIFT , FLEET , QUICK , SPEEDY , HASTY , EXPEDITIOUS mean moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity. FAST and RAPID are very close in meaning, but FAST applies particularly to the thing that moves < fast horses> and RAPID to the movement itself < rapid current>. SWIFT suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement <returned the ball with one swift stroke>. FLEET adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness < fleet runners>. QUICK suggests promptness and the taking of little time <a quick wit>. SPEEDY implies quickness of successful accomplishment < speedy delivery of mail> and may also suggest unusual velocity. HASTY suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness <a hasty inspection>. EXPEDITIOUS suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment <the expeditious handling of an order>.