Search results for 'fast':

fast¹ adj (faster, fastest) 1 moving, or able to move, quickly. 2 taking a relatively short time. 3 said of a clock, etc: showing a time in advance of the correct time. 4 allowing or intended for rapid movement • the fast lane. 5 said of a photographic film: requiring only brief exposure. 6 colloq tending to make sexual advances on rather brief acquaintance. 7 firmly fixed or caught; steadfast. 8 said of friends: firm; close. 9 said of fabric colours: not liable to run or fade. adverb 1 quickly; rapidly. 2 in quick succession • coming thick and fast. 3 firmly; tight • The glue held fast. 4 deeply; thoroughly • fast asleep. fastish adj. fast and furious fast and lively; frenzied or frantic in pace. live life in the fast lane colloq to have a lifestyle full of high excitement, expensive enjoyment and glamour. play fast and loose to behave irresponsibly or unreliably. pull a fast one colloq to cheat or deceive.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon fæst fixed or firm.

fast² verb (fasted, fasting) intrans to go without food, or restrict one's diet, especially as a religious discipline. noun a period of fasting. See Lent, Ramadan, Yom Kippur. fast-day noun. faster noun. fasting noun.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon fæstan.