fas·ten 
/ˈfæsn̩, Brit ˈfɑ:sn̩/ verb
fas·tens; fas·tened; fas·ten·ing /ˈfæsn̩, Brit ˈfɑ:sn̩/ verb 1 a [+ obj] : to attach (something) or join (two things or two parts of something) especially by using a pin, nail, etc.
▪ fastening clothes on/onto a clothesline ▪ He fastened the dog's leash to a post and went into the store. ▪ two boards fastened together by/with nails ▪ a decorative clasp that could be used to fasten a cape or cloak
b [no obj] of parts of something : to become attached or joined
▪ a shoe that fastens with a buckle ▪ This dress fastens in the back. 2 a [+ obj] : to put something in a position or location in such a way that it will not move
▪ Fasten your seat belt. ▪ She twisted her hair into a bun and fastened it with bobby pins. ▪ Make sure the lid is tightly fastened.
b : to close and lock (something, such as a window or door) [+ obj] ▪ Make sure that the doors and windows are all (securely) fastened. [no obj] ▪ The lock was so damaged it wouldn't fasten. 3 : to grip and hold something with (your hand, teeth, etc.) [+ obj] ▪ He fastened his hands on/around my arm and wouldn't let go. ▪ The dog fastened its teeth on my sleeve. [no obj] ▪ His hands fastened on/around my arm.
▪ fastening clothes on/onto a clothesline ▪ He fastened the dog's leash to a post and went into the store. ▪ two boards fastened together by/with nails ▪ a decorative clasp that could be used to fasten a cape or cloak
b [no obj] of parts of something : to become attached or joined
▪ a shoe that fastens with a buckle ▪ This dress fastens in the back.
▪ Fasten your seat belt. ▪ She twisted her hair into a bun and fastened it with bobby pins. ▪ Make sure the lid is tightly fastened.
b : to close and lock (something, such as a window or door) [+ obj] ▪ Make sure that the doors and windows are all (securely) fastened. [no obj] ▪ The lock was so damaged it wouldn't fasten.
fasten on [phrasal verb]
fasten (something) on (something) or fasten on (something) : to direct (something, such as your eyes or attention) to (something)
▪ They fastened their eyes on the distant ship. [=they looked at it steadily] ▪ She fastened her attention on the problem. [=she gave all her attention to the problem] ▪ They had fastened the blame on the wrong man. [=they had blamed the wrong man] ▪ She fastened [=pinned] (all) her hopes on getting the job.
▪ They fastened their eyes on the distant ship. [=they looked at it steadily] ▪ She fastened her attention on the problem. [=she gave all her attention to the problem] ▪ They had fastened the blame on the wrong man. [=they had blamed the wrong man] ▪ She fastened [=pinned] (all) her hopes on getting the job.
fasten onto [phrasal verb]
fasten onto (something) : to grip and tightly hold (something)
▪ The stranger fastened onto my arm and wouldn't let go. — often used figuratively ▪ Once he fastens onto a subject he just won't let it drop.
▪ The stranger fastened onto my arm and wouldn't let go. — often used figuratively ▪ Once he fastens onto a subject he just won't let it drop.
— fas·ten·er /ˈfæsn̩ɚ, Brit ˈfɑsn̩ɚ/ noun, plural fas·ten·ers [count]
▪ windows held shut by rusty fasteners
/ˈfæsn̩ɚ, Brit ˈfɑsn̩ɚ/ noun, plural fas·ten·ers [count] ▪ windows held shut by rusty fasteners
