fasten
/ˈfɑːsən/
verb
Origin
Old English
fæstnian — to make firm, fix, settle, or confirm
Overview
Meaning Now
- To close or join securely in a fixed position.
- To attach or affix one thing to another.
Literal older meaning
to make firm or steady
Language path
Proto-Germanic → Old English → Middle English → English
Earliest form
fæstnian
Earliest period
10th century
Journey
The verb descends from the Germanic adjective *fastuz (firm/fixed), which is also the source of the word 'fast' in the sense of 'steadfast'. The addition of the causative suffix '-en' denotes the act of making something attain that state of firmness.
Evolution
- Proto-Germanic
*fastuz
“firm, fixed, immovable”
- Old English
fæstnian
“to make firm, fasten”
- Middle English
fastnen
“to attach, secure”
- Modern English
fasten
“to secure or lock”
Connections
Word parts
fast
root
firm, fixed
-en
suffix
causative suffix forming verbs from adjectives
Related across languages
German
festigen
to consolidate or strengthen
Dutch
vestigen
to establish or settle
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.