fasten implies an action such as tying, buttoning, nailing, locking, or otherwise securing.
fasten the reins to a post
fix usually implies a driving in, implanting, or embedding.
fixed the stake in the ground
attach suggests a connecting or uniting by a bond, link, or tie in order to keep things together.
attach the W-2 form here
affix implies an imposing of one thing on another by gluing, impressing, or nailing.
affix your address label here
Example Sentences
fastening clothes on a clothesline He fastened the dog's leash to a post and went into the store. two boards fastened together by nails a decorative clasp that could be used to fasten a cape or cloak a shoe that fastens with a buckle This dress fastens in the back. She twisted her hair into a bun and fastened it with bobby pins. Make sure the lid is tightly fastened. The lock was so damaged it wouldn't fasten. He fastened his hands on my arm and wouldn't let go. See More
Recent Examples on the WebWhile pulling the string taught, fasten the wood in place by driving a screw through the drywall into the wood on each side of the hole. Bradley Ford, Popular Mechanics, 2 May 2022 Strips of leather wound around its thighs fasten slender clay fragments in place, a string of wooden beads dangle from its belt. Murray Whyte, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2022 The nearly backless piece features a triangle cutout at the bust and thin straps that fasten at the back. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 27 July 2022 Use double-sided tape or hook-and-loop strips to fasten a power strip to the frame of an elevated bed for easy access. Leanne Italile, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2022 Secure the pieces together at the center and fasten them to the roof base with 1½-inch screws. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2022 Similarly, fasten all Velcro closures on items like glove cuffs and waistbands of baggy shorts. Joe Lindsey, Outside Online, 17 July 2021 The portable frame has metal snaps that can be pressed to quickly fasten the screen to the frame, and detachable legs that can be put together without tools. Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 28 June 2022 Use heavy-duty carabiners or S-hooks to fasten the hammock ends to the eyebolts. Abigail Bailey, Good Housekeeping, 10 June 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English fastnen, from Old English fæstnian to make fast; akin to Old High German festinōn to make fast, Old English fæst fast