fasten

/ˈfa-sᵊn/

Middle English fastnen, from Old English fæstnian to make fast; akin to Old High German festinōn to make fast, Old English fæst fast

verb

  1. to attach especially by pinning, tying, or nailing

  2. to make fast and secure

  3. to fix firmly or securely

fasten fix attach affix mean to make something stay firmly in place. fasten implies an action such as tying, buttoning, nailing, locking, or otherwise securing. fix usually implies a driving in, implanting, or embedding.

phrasal verb

  1. to direct (something, such as one's eyes or attention) to (something)

They fastened their eyes on the distant ship.

phrasal verb

  1. to grip and tightly hold (something) —often used figuratively

The stranger fastened onto my arm and wouldn't let go.