fast fast /ˈfæst/

adjective

1. () Acting or moving or capable of acting or moving quickly  ( fast )
   acting or moving or capable of acting or moving quickly
    Fast film
   fast film
    On the fast track in school
   on the fast track in school
    Set a fast pace
   set a fast pace
    A fast car
   a fast car
   
2. (of a photographic lens or emulsion) causing a shortening of exposure time  ( fast )
   (of a photographic lens or emulsion) causing a shortening of exposure time
    A fast lens
   a fast lens
   
3. Unwavering in devotion to friend, vow or cause  ( fast , firm , loyal , truehearted )
   unwavering in devotion to friend, vow or cause
    A firm ally
   a firm ally
    Loyal supporters
   loyal supporters
    The true-hearted soldier...of Tippecanoe
   the true-hearted soldier...of Tippecanoe
    Fast friends
   fast friends
   
4. (music) at a rapid tempo  ( fast )
   (music) at a rapid tempo
    The band played a fast fox trot
   the band played a fast fox trot
   
5. (used of timepieces) indicating a time ahead of or later than the correct time  ( fast )
   (used of timepieces) indicating a time ahead of or later than the correct time
    My watch is fast
   my watch is fast
   
6. Securely fixed in place  ( fast , firm , immobile )
   securely fixed in place
    The post was still firm after being hit by the car
   the post was still firm after being hit by the car
   
7. Hurried and brief  ( fast , flying , quick )
   hurried and brief
    Paid a flying visit
   paid a flying visit
    Took a flying glance at the book
   took a flying glance at the book
    A quick inspection
   a quick inspection
    A fast visit
   a fast visit
   
8. Unrestrained by convention or morality  ( debauched , degenerate , degraded , dissipated , dissolute , fast , libertine , profligate , riotous )
   unrestrained by convention or morality
    Congreve draws a debauched aristocratic society
   Congreve draws a debauched aristocratic society
    Deplorably dissipated and degraded
   deplorably dissipated and degraded
    Riotous living
   riotous living
    Fast women
   fast women
   
9. Resistant to destruction or fading  ( fast )
   resistant to destruction or fading
    Fast colors
   fast colors
   
10. (of surfaces) conducive to rapid speeds  ( fast )
    (of surfaces) conducive to rapid speeds
     A fast road
    a fast road
     Grass courts are faster than clay
    grass courts are faster than clay
    

adverb

1. () Quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)  ( fast )
   quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
    How fast can he get here?
   how fast can he get here?
    Ran as fast as he could
   ran as fast as he could
    Needs medical help fast
   needs medical help fast
    Fast-running rivers
   fast-running rivers
    Fast-breaking news
   fast-breaking news
    Fast-opening (or fast-closing) shutters
   fast-opening (or fast-closing) shutters
   
2. () Firmly or closely  ( fast , tight )
   firmly or closely
    Held fast to the rope
   held fast to the rope
    Her foot was stuck fast
   her foot was stuck fast
    Held tight
   held tight
   

noun

1. () Abstaining from food  ( fasting , fast )
   abstaining from food
    Observing a 24-hour fast is a ritual for many during the holy month.
   Observing a 24-hour fast is a ritual for many during the holy month.
   
   

verb

1. Abstain from eating  ( fast )
   abstain from eating
    Before the medical exam, you must fast
   Before the medical exam, you must fast
   
2. Abstain from certain foods, as for religious or medical reasons  ( fast )
   abstain from certain foods, as for religious or medical reasons
    Catholics sometimes fast during Lent
   Catholics sometimes fast during Lent