# fasten

/ˈfæsən/ (US) · /fˈɑːsən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fasten
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to close or join

verb · CEFR B1

to close something by joining its parts together, like a coat or a seatbelt.

For teachers: to join two parts of an object together securely, typically using a specific mechanism like a zipper, button, or buckle.

- Please fasten your seatbelt before the plane takes off.
- The flight attendant reminded the passengers to fasten their seatbelts securely as the aircraft prepared for its final descent into the city.

Usage: Often used with 'up' (fasten up) when referring to clothing.

### 2. to attach firmly

verb · CEFR B2

to fix one thing firmly to another thing so it stays in place.

For teachers: to attach or fix an object firmly to a surface or another object to prevent movement.

- He used a long screw to fasten the shelf to the wall.
- The carpenter used heavy-duty brackets to fasten the wooden beams to the masonry, ensuring the structure could withstand significant weight.

Usage: Usually takes the preposition 'to'.

### 3. to focus attention

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to look at or think about one thing very closely.

For teachers: to direct one's gaze or attention fixedly toward a specific object or idea.

- Her eyes fastened on the mysterious letter lying on the table.
- The investigator's attention immediately fastened on the discrepancy in the financial records, sensing it was the key to the entire case.

Usage: Commonly used with the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.

Teaching tip: This figurative use is more common in literature than in daily conversation.

## Examples

- Please fasten your seatbelt before the car starts moving.
- The hiker stopped to fasten the straps on her backpack to prevent it from shifting during the climb.
- Before the storm arrived, the crew worked quickly to fasten the heavy shutters and secure any loose equipment on the deck to prevent wind damage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.