fasten Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb cause to be firmly attached
fix; secure.
- fasten the lock onto the door
- she fixed her gaze on the man
verb become fixed or fastened
- This dress fastens in the back
verb attach to
- They fastened various nicknames to each other
verb make tight or tighter
tighten.
- Tighten the wire

AS. fæstnian; akin to OHG. festin&omac;n. See Fast, a.

imperfect & past participle Fastened ; present participle & verbal noun Fastening

To fix firmly; to make fast; to secure, as by a knot, lock, bolt, etc.; as, to fasten a chain to the feet; to fasten a door or window.
To cause to hold together or to something else; to attach or unite firmly; to cause to cleave to something , or to cleave together, by any means; as, to fasten boards together with nails or cords; to fasten anything in our thoughts.
The words Whig and Tory have been pressed to the service of many successions of parties, with very different ideas fastened to them. Swift.
To cause to take close effect; to make to tell; to lay on; as, to fasten a blow. Obs. Dryden.
If I can fasten but one cup upon him. Shak.
Syn. -- To fix; cement; stick; link; affix; annex.

To fix one's self; to take firm hold; to clinch; to cling.
A horse leech will hardly fasten on a fish. Sir T. Browne.