v
1【clothes/bag etc】2【window/gate etc】3【attach something to something】4【hold something tightly】5 fasten your eyes/gaze on somebody/something6 fasten your attention on somebody/somethingPhrasal verbs fasten on/upon something fasten onto somebody/something
[
Language: Old English;Origin: fAstnian; related to
FAST2]
【CLOTHES/BAG ETC】alsofasten upa) [T]to join together the two sides of a coat, shirt, bag etc so that it is closed
=
do up≠
unfasten 'I'm going now,' she said, fastening her coat. Fasten your seat belt.b) [I]to become joined together with buttons, hooks etc
=
do up I was so fat that my skirt wouldn't fasten.【WINDOW/GATE ETC】 [I and T] to firmly close a window, gate etc so that it will not open, or to become firmly closed
≠
unfasten Make sure all the windows are securely fastened before you leave.【ATTACH SOMETHING TO SOMETHING】 [T] to attach something firmly to another object or surface
fasten sth with sth Fasten the edges of the cloth together with pins.fasten sth to sth They fastened the rope to a tree.【HOLD SOMETHING TIGHTLY】 [I and T] to hold something firmly with your hands, legs, arms, or teeth
fasten sth around/round sth 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.fasten your eyes/gaze on sb/sthto look at someone or something for a long time
He rose, his eyes still fastened on the piece of paper.fasten your attention on sb/sthto think a lot about one particular thing or person
He was working quietly, all his attention fastened on the task.fasten on/upon [fasten on/upon sth]
phr vto give particular attention to something because you think it is important or interesting
My mother fastened on the word "unsafe".fasten onto / [fasten onto sb/sth]
phr vto give particular attention to something because you think it is important or interesting
to follow someone and stay with them, especially when they do not want you to
=
latch onto somebody The dog seemed lost and fastened onto us.