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v. fas·tened, fas·ten·ing, fas·tens v.tr. 1. To attach firmly to something else, as by pinning or nailing. 2. a. To make fast or secure: fastened the children into their car seats. b. To close or connect securely, as with a lock or other device: was unable to fasten the bulging suitcase. 3. To fix or direct steadily: fastened her gaze on the stranger. 4. To place; attribute: fastened the blame on the weather. 5. To impose (oneself) without welcome. v.intr. 1. a. To become attached, fixed, or joined: barnacles that had fastened to the ship's bottom. b. To close or join in a particular manner: tent flaps that fasten with a zipper; a shirt that fastens down the front. 2. a. To focus one's sight or attention on something: fasten on a notion. b. To select something by close attention: "By April he had fastened on the site where he would erect his grand city" (Charles Officer). [Middle English fastnen, from Old English fæstnian; see past- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] Synonyms: fasten, anchor, fix, moor1, secure These verbs mean to cause to remain firmly in position or place: fastened the cabinet to the wall with screws; anchored the pull-up bar to the door frame; fixed the flagpole in concrete; will moor the rowboat at the dock; secured the door with a heavy bolt. |
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