fast

fast · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Moving or capable of moving at high speed.

  2. 2.

    Happening in a short time.

  3. 3.

    Firmly fixed or attached.

  4. 4.

    (Of a clock) Showing a time ahead of the correct time.

  5. 5.

    At high speed; quickly.

  6. 6.

    Firmly or securely.

  7. 7.

    To abstain from food, or the act of doing so.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fast asleep — Deeply asleep.
  • •
    fast food — Quickly prepared food from a restaurant.
  • •
    make fast — To secure firmly.
  • •
    play fast and loose — To behave irresponsibly.
  • •
    fast track — An accelerated path.
  • •
    hold fast — To remain firm.

Related words

Antonyms: slow
See also: quick, rapid, slow, speed
Synonyms: quick, rapid, speedy, swift

Etymology

From Old English fæst ("firm, fixed, secure"), from Proto-Germanic fastuz. The sense of "quick" developed from the idea of being "firm in pursuit."