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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Fasten: Definition, Usage & Examples in English (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：secure tightly (fasten)

fasten 🔊

/ˈfɑːsən/

To attach or close something firmly, so it does not move or open.

Fasten meaning illustrated: person fastening a seatbelt on an airplane.

secure tightly 🔊

➕

/sɪˈkjʊər ˈtaɪtli/

To join two things together or close something so that it is held firmly in place and cannot move or open easily.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'fæstnian', from 'fæst' (firm, fixed).

💡 Mnemonic

Think FASTEN = FAST + EN, you make it FAST and secure. Imagine clicking a seatbelt FAST.

📖 Example

Before takeoff, the flight attendant reminds everyone to fasten their seatbelts. 🔊 The flight attendant instructs passengers to secure their seatbelts before the plane departs.

🔗 Collocations

fasten your seatbelt – To secure the belt in a vehicle for safety.

fasten with a bolt – To attach using a threaded metal pin.

fasten securely – To attach in a very firm and reliable way.

🔄 Synonyms

attach (v.) – To connect or join one thing to another.

fix (v.) – To make something stable or immobile.

secure (v.) – To fasten or close firmly so it cannot move or be opened.

🚫 Antonyms

unfasten (v.) – To open or undo something that is fixed or closed.

loosen (v.) – To make something less tight or firm.

release (v.) – To set free from a fixed position or restraint.

🌱 Derivatives

fastener (n.) – A device that holds things together, like a button, zipper, or bolt.

fastening (n.) – Something used to hold objects together securely.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'fasten' originates from Old English 'fæstnian', meaning 'to make firm, secure'. It is a close relative of the adjective 'fast'. Historically, it described the concrete action of securing objects. Over time, its usage expanded into metaphorical realms, such as 'fastening one's gaze', reflecting a linguistic shift from physical to mental fixation.

Meaning 2：fix one's gaze/attention on (fasten)

fasten 🔊

/ˈfɑːsən/

To direct your attention, eyes, or thoughts firmly onto something or someone.

Fasten your attention: student focusing intently on a classroom screen.

fix one's gaze/attention on 🔊

➕

/fɪks wʌnz ɡeɪz əˈtɛnʃən ɒn/

To direct and hold your eyes, mind, or attention steadily and intently on a particular object, person, or idea.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

During the important presentation, all eyes were fastened on the speaker. 🔊 Throughout the crucial talk, the audience focused their complete attention on the presenter.

🔗 Collocations

fasten one's eyes on – To stare intently at something.

fasten attention on – To concentrate your mental focus on something.

fasten onto an idea – To become fixated on a particular thought or concept.

🔄 Synonyms

focus (v.) – To concentrate attention or effort on a central point.

fix (v.) – To direct one's eyes or attention steadily.

rivet (v.) – To engross or hold completely (as attention).

🚫 Antonyms

wander (v.) – To move attention away from a fixed point; to become distracted.

divert (v.) – To turn attention away from something.