holdfast

/'houldfɑ:st/

Thân thiện

The climber secured the rope with a sturdy holdfast.

Definition

Noun: 1. A device or structure that attaches to something and holds it firmly in place: A holdfast is a physical restraint or fastener designed to grip or secure an object, preventing it from moving. 2. The act or quality of holding fast; firm adherence: In a more abstract sense, it can refer to the characteristic of being tenacious or steadfast.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Device):
  • The barnacle uses a powerful biological holdfast to attach itself permanently to the ship's hull.
  • The carpenter secured the workpiece with a metal holdfast driven into the bench.
  • The safety regulations require a secure holdfast for the climbing rope.
• Noun (Abstract Quality):
  • Her holdfast to her principles earned her great respect.

Advanced Usage

• "To act as a holdfast": To function as a securing point or anchor.
  • The root system of the tree acts as a natural holdfast, preventing soil erosion.

Variants and Related Words

• Hold fast (verb phrase): To grip tightly; to remain firmly attached or loyal.
  • Hold fast to the railing!
  • He held fast to his beliefs.
• Fast-holding (adjective): Describing something that holds securely.

Synonyms

• Fastener: A device that closes or secures something.
• Clamp: A device for holding objects tightly together.
• Brace: A device that steadies or supports.
• Anchor: A device used to connect a structure to the ground or a base.
• Grip: A firm hold.

Related Phrases

• Tenacious hold: A very firm and persistent grip.
  • The ivy had a tenacious hold on the old brick wall.

Học thuật

Noun

1. restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place

Từ đồng nghĩa

• fastener
• fastening
• fixing