/ ˈfɑːsn; NAmE ˈfæsn/ verb
1.
fasten (sth) (up) to close or join together the two parts of sth; to become closed or joined together
SYN do up :
[ vn ]
Fasten your seatbelts, please.
He fastened up his coat and hurried out.
[ v ]
The dress fastens at the back.
OPP unfasten
2.
to close sth firmly so that it will not open; to be closed in this way :
[ vn ]
Fasten the gates securely so that they do not blow open.
[ v ]
The window wouldn't fasten.
OPP unfasten
3.
[ vn + adv. / prep. ] to fix or place sth in a particular position, so that it will not move :
He fastened back the shutters.
4.
[ vn ] fasten A to B | fasten A and B (together) to attach or tie one thing to another thing :
He fastened the papers together with a paper clip.
5.
if you fasten your arms around sb, your teeth into sth, etc., or if your arms, teeth, etc. fasten around, into, etc. sb/sth, you hold the person / thing firmly with your arms, etc. :
[ vn ]
The dog fastened its teeth in his leg.
[ v ]
His hand fastened on her arm.
6.
if you fasten your eyes on sb/sth or your eyes fasten on sb/sth, you look at them for a long time :
[ vn ]
He fastened his gaze on her face.
[also v ]
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PHRASAL VERBS
- fasten on(to) sb/sth
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English fæstnian make sure , also immobilize , of West Germanic origin; related to fast quick .