fasten */

UK [ˈfɑːs(ə)n] / US [ˈfæs(ə)n] verb
Word forms "fasten":
present tense I/you/we/they fasten he/she/it fastens present participle fastening past tense fastened past participle fastened

1)

a) fasten or fasten up

[transitive] to close something such as a piece of clothing or a bag using the buttons, zip, clip etc on it

Please keep your seat belts fastened while the seat belt light is on.

fasten something with something:

It was fastened with buttons down the front.

b) [intransitive] if something such as a piece of clothing or a bag fastens in a particular way, you close it in that way

fasten with:

These trousers fasten with buttons.

2)

a) [transitive] to fix one thing to another using something such as string or nails so that it is held firmly in position

fasten something to something:

We fastened our boat with rope to a post in the river.

fasten something around something:

She fastened the rope around her ankle.

b) [intransitive] to become fixed to an object or surface and held firmly in position

3)

a) [transitive] to close a door, gate, or window so that it will not open using something such as a lock, catch, or bolt

I checked that all the windows were properly fastened.

b) [intransitive] if a door or window etc fastens in a particular way, you close it in that way

I can't get the back gate to fasten.

4) [intransitive/transitive] to hold something very tightly

fasten around/on/onto/into:

His hand moved swiftly to fasten on her arm.

fasten your arms/legs around someone/something:

She fastened her arms around my neck and hugged me tightly.

Phrasal verbs:

- fasten on

- fasten up