Standard Lemma guide

enfasten

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Received-Pronunciation: /ɛnˈfæsə̆n/

1

verb

Meaning 1

To fasten, to bind tightly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: literary, rare

Examples

  • c 1819–1861: Arthur Hugh Clough, Amours de Voyage: Canto V, V. Claude tu Eustace Utterly vain is, alas! this attempt at the Absolute, — wholly! I, who believed not in her, because I would fain believe nothing, Have to believe as I may, with a wilful, unmeaning acceptance. I, who refused to enfasten the roots of my floating existence In the rich earth, cling now to the hard, naked rock that is left me, — Ah! she was worthy, Eustace — and that, indeed, is my comfort, — Worthy a nobler heart than a fool such as I could have given her.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Germanic *fastuz Proto-West Germanic *fast Old English fæst Middle English fast English fast English en- -en English enfasten From fast + en- -en.