1 B1 neutral
To fix something firmly so it does not move, blow away, or become loose.
"The crew fastened down the cargo before the ship entered the storm."
separable
fasten down
B1 neutral separable transitive
To secure something firmly in place so it cannot move or be lifted.
In plain English
To attach something tightly so it stays in place.
What does "fasten down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To close or secure something (such as a lid or cover) tightly.
"Make sure you fasten down the hatches before it rains."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fasten (attach) something in a downward direction — keeping it anchored.
Actually means
To attach something tightly so it stays in place.
Usage tip
Practical, everyday usage. Common in contexts involving weather, transport, or construction. Interchangeable with 'secure' or 'tie down' in most contexts.
Words that pair with "fasten down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
tarpaulin lid cargo cover straps bolts
How to conjugate "fasten down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fasten down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fastens down
he/she/it
Past simple
fastened down
yesterday
Past participle
fastened down
have + pp
-ing form
fastening down
continuous
Hear "fasten down" in the wild
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Other ways to say "fasten down"
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