fasten

[[t]fɑ͟ːs(ə)n, fæ̱s-[/t]]

fastens, fastening, fastened

1) V-ERG When you fasten something, you close it by means of buttons or a strap, or some other device. If something fastens with buttons or straps, you can close it in this way.

[V n] She got quickly into her Mini and fastened the seat-belt...

[be V-ed prep] Her long fair hair was fastened at the nape of her neck by an elastic band.

[V prep] ...the dress, which fastens with a long back zip. [Also V n prep]

Syn:

do up

Ant:

unfasten

2) VERB If you fasten one thing to another, you attach the first thing to the second, for example with a piece of string or tape.

[V n prep/adv] There were no instructions on how to fasten the carrying strap to the box...

[V n prep/adv] Mamma fastened the picture on the wall.

Syn:

attach

3) V-ERG If someone or something fastens your attention on a particular thing or if your attention fastens on it, you start to concentrate on it rather than on anything else.

[V on n] More and more her memory and all her thoughts fastened on one event...

[V n on n] The discovery has fastened public attention on the possibilities of DNA analysis for resolving mysteries.

Syn:

focus

4) VERB If someone or something fastens on a particular thing, they start to concentrate on it.

[V on/onto n] My mind attempted to calm itself by fastening on this trivial detail...

[V on/onto n] It's a gross over-simplification to fasten on to the red deer as a threat to the environment.

5) VERB If someone fastens on you, they keep following, talking to, or staying with you, when you want them to go away.

[V on/onto n] He's fastening on that poor girl like a leech.

Syn:

latch onto

6) → See also fastening