1 [with object] close or do up securely:the tunic was fastened with a row of gilt buttons
[no object, with adverbial] be closed or done up in a particular manner:a blue nightie that fastens down the back
[with object and adverbial] fix or hold in place:she fastened her locket round her neck
(fasten something off) secure the end of a thread with stitches or a knot:work the stitch and fasten off the thread
2 [no object] (fasten on/upon) single out (someone or something) and concentrate on them or it obsessively:the critics fastened upon two sections of the report
[with object] (fasten something on/upon) direct one’s eyes, thoughts, etc. intently at:his gaze was fastened on his daughter [no object]:his eyes seemed to fasten on her
