Fasten: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about making something firmly fixed or held in place, often with mechanical means like buttons, buckles, or zippers.

• Please fasten your seatbelt before the plane takes off.
• She had to fasten the buttons on her coat because it was cold outside.

This term is generally used when ensuring safety or stability, making sure something won’t move, open, or unauthorizedly access.

• Make sure to secure the door before leaving.
• They secured the tent to prevent it from blowing away in the wind.

Typically used when referring to joining one thing to another, especially using an adhesive, string, or some form of connection.

• You need to attach the photos to the email.
• He will attach the label to the package.

Often used when something is broken and needs to be repaired, or to mean making something stay in a specific position.

• I need to fix the broken chair.
• Fix the painting to the wall so it doesn't fall.

Used when securing something firmly, typically in a physical sense, such as with a belt, buckle, or clasp.

• Please fasten your seatbelt before the car starts moving.
• She fastened the necklace around her neck.

Used when bringing two or more things together to form a whole, often in a more general or abstract sense. It can also refer to becoming a member of a group.

• Join the two pieces of wood with nails.
• He decided to join the soccer team.

Typically used to describe joining two devices or systems so that they can communicate or work together, or linking concepts.

• You need to connect the printer to the computer via USB cable.
• Can you connect these ideas more clearly in your essay?

Used when connecting or affixing something to another object, often in a more temporary or less secure manner.

• Please attach the document to the email.
• She attached the photo to the bulletin board with a pin.

Used again in the generic sense, similar to the first entry. This word fits universally for any kind of securing or attaching actions.

• Please fasten your coat before going out
• Fasten the rope to the post tightly

Typically used for securing jewelry or small objects, often with a small fastening device like a hook or latch.

• She clasped her necklace around her neck
• The bracelet has a delicate clasp

Specifically used when referring to securing something using a buckle, such as belts, shoes, or straps.

• He buckled his belt before leaving the house
• She struggled to buckle her sandals

Used when attaching or securing something with a small, usually spring-loaded device. Often used for paper, hair, or accessories.

• He clipped the papers together with a paperclip
• She clipped the hair accessory into her hair