Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of fastening things together: The action of joining, attaching, or securing two or more objects or parts.
   • A restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place: A device, such as a clasp, lock, or bolt, used to secure or close something.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Act):
  • The fastening of the seatbelt is required by law.
  • Her job involved the fastening of components on the assembly line.
• Noun (Device):
  • The fastening on the gate was rusty and difficult to open.
  • Check all the fastenings on your backpack before the hike.

Advanced Usage

• "To come undone/loose": A common description for when a fastening fails.
  • One of the fastenings on the sail came loose during the storm.
• In technical or manufacturing contexts, "fastening" often refers to the entire process or system of joining parts, including methods like welding, riveting, or using adhesives, not just mechanical devices.

Variants and Related Words

• Fasten (verb): To close, join, or attach something securely.
  • Please fasten your seatbelt.
• Fastener (noun): A more common synonym for the device sense of "fastening" (e.g., a zipper, button, or screw).
  • The jacket has a broken fastener.
• Unfasten (verb): To open or release a fastening.

Synonyms

• Attachment: Something used for attaching one thing to another.
• Clasp: A device, such as a hook or buckle, used to hold things together.
• Latch: A fastening for a door or gate, typically involving a bar that fits into a notch.

Related Phrases

• Fastening system: Refers to an integrated set of components designed to secure something.
  • The new fastening system makes the helmet safer and easier to adjust.
• Secure a fastening: To ensure a fastening is properly closed or locked.
  • Always double-check to secure the fastenings on your luggage.

Related Idioms

• "The weakest link": While not directly about fastenings, this idiom is often used metaphorically to describe a component (like a faulty fastening) that could cause a system to fail.
  • In the safety chain, the old carabiner was the weakest link.

Noun

1. the act of fastening things together
2. restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place