fasten down

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To secure something so that it will not be moved away.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Ed Dennis couldn't specify when the Fitzgerald 's crew had begun replacing and fastening down the hatch covers, but other witnesses maintained that it wasn't at all uncommon for crews to fasten down only half of the hatch cover clamps, especially during the summer months, when the weather was good a

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To force a firm answer (from someone); to pin down.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “fasten down” mean?

To secure something so that it will not be moved away.

Is “fasten down” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.