1 A2 neutral
To close clothing using buttons, a zip, buckle, or other fastener.
"Fasten up your coat — it's freezing outside."
separable
fasten up
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To close or secure something, typically clothing, using a fastener such as a button, zip, or buckle.
In plain English
To close your clothes properly — buttons, zips, buckles, and so on.
What does "fasten up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To close or secure a bag, case, or other container.
"She fastened up her suitcase and headed for the door."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fasten (close with a device) going upward — the 'up' suggests completion.
Actually means
To close your clothes properly — buttons, zips, buckles, and so on.
Usage tip
Common in everyday speech. Often used when telling children to close their clothing, or in safety contexts (seatbelts, helmets). Can also refer to bags or cases.
Words that pair with "fasten up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
coat jacket seatbelt bag zip buttons
How to conjugate "fasten up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fasten up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fastens up
he/she/it
Past simple
fastened up
yesterday
Past participle
fastened up
have + pp
-ing form
fastening up
continuous
Hear "fasten up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "fasten up"
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