fasten
[verb]
Synonyms: fix, affix, attach, bind, connect, join, link, secure, tie

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Antonyms: unfasten
Contrasted words: divide, divorce, part, separate, sever, sunder, loose, loosen, undo, unloose, unloosen, falter, vacillate, waver
Related Idioms: make fast (or secure or sure)
Related Words: connect, join, link, unite, adhere, cleave, cling, cohere, stick, bed, implant, infix, lodge, set, settle, embed, wedge, establish, bar, hitch, hook, address, apply, devote, direct, train, turn

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English Thesaurus: fasten, attach, join, glue, tape, ...

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

fas‧ten /ˈfɑːsən $ ˈfæ-/ verb
[Word Family: verb: fasten ≠ unfasten; noun: fastener]
[Language: Old English; Origin: fæstnian; related to ⇒ fast²]

1. CLOTHES/BAG ETC (also fasten up)
a) [transitive] to join together the two sides of a coat, shirt, bag etc so that it is closed Synonym : do up Antonym : unfasten:
‘I’m going now,’ she said, fastening her coat.
Fasten your seat belt.
b) [intransitive] to become joined together with buttons, hooks etc Synonym : do up:
I was so fat that my skirt wouldn’t fasten.

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In everyday British English, people usually say do up rather than fasten:
Do up your jacket – it’s cold.

2. WINDOW/GATE ETC [intransitive and transitive] to firmly close a window, gate etc so that it will not open, or to become firmly closed Antonym : unfasten:
Make sure all the windows are securely fastened before you leave.

3. ATTACH SOMETHING TO SOMETHING [transitive] to attach something firmly to another object or surface
fasten something with something
Fasten the edges of the cloth together with pins.
fasten something to something
They fastened the rope to a tree.

4. HOLD SOMETHING TIGHTLY [intransitive and transitive] to hold something firmly with your hands, legs, arms, or teeth
fasten something around/round something
She fastened her arms around his neck.
fasten around/round
A strong hand fastened round her wrist.
fasten on/onto
Their long claws allow them to fasten onto the rocks and hold firm.

5. fasten your eyes/gaze on somebody/something to look at someone or something for a long time:
He rose, his eyes still fastened on the piece of paper.

6. fasten your attention on somebody/something to think a lot about one particular thing or person:
He was working quietly, all his attention fastened on the task.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

fasten
verb
ADV. firmly, properly, securely, tightly We fastened all the windows securely.
up | together She fastened the papers together with a paper clip.
PREP. to She fastened the rope to a tree.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

fasten to join together the two sides of a piece of clothing, bag, belt etc:
He fastened the necklace behind her neck.
attach to fasten something firmly to another object or surface, using screws, nails, tape, glue etc:
The boards were attached with screws.
The prisoner was attached to the wall with chains.
join to connect or fasten things together:
Join the pieces using a strong glue
glue to join things together using glue:
Glue the fabric to the white card.
tape to fasten something using tape:
The students' name cards were taped to the table.
staple to fasten something using staples (=a small piece of wire that is pressed through paper using a special machine):
Don't staple your resumé to your cover letter.
clip to fasten things together using a clip (=a small metal object):
A photo was clipped to the letter.
tie to fasten a tie, shoelaces etc by making a knot:
Don't forget to tie your shoelaces!
do something up especially British English to fasten a piece of clothing or the buttons etc on it:
The teacher doesn't have time to do up every child's coat.
Let me do it up for you.
button (up) to fasten a shirt, coat etc with buttons:
His shirt was buttoned right to the top.
zip (up) to fasten a piece of clothing, a bag etc with a zip:
Zip up your jacket, it's cold.
buckle (up) to fasten a seat belt, belt, shoe etc that has a buckle (=small metal object that fits through a hole in a strap):
The little girl struggled to buckle her shoes.
unfasten/untie/undo/unbutton/unzip to open something that is fastened:
Do not unfasten your seatbelt until the car has stopped completely.
close/strong ties
He had developed close ties with many Republican governors.
family/blood ties
Family ties have been weakened by older people living apart from their children.
personal ties
Strong personal ties connect her to the area.
emotional ties
He was a loner who failed to develop emotional ties with other people.
economic ties
Japan and South Korea have close economic ties.
diplomatic ties
the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries
social ties
Besides marriage, other social ties drew people together.
ties of marriage/friendship/blood etc
The ties of friendship that unite the two countries.
maintain/develop ties
The U.S. is committed to maintaining close ties with Europe.
establish ties
Israel established full diplomatic ties with the Vatican in 1994.
cut/sever ties
He said that he planned to sever his ties with the club.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲