befestigen
Translation
to fasten, to attach, to secure, to fortify
Examples
Befestigen Sie das Schild an der Wand.
Fasten the sign to the wall.
Er befestigte das Seil an einem Baum.
He fastened the rope to a tree.
Die Stadt wurde im Mittelalter befestigt.
The city was fortified in the Middle Ages.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((an+3)) to fasten sth. to sth. He fastened the sign to the wall.
((sth.)) to fortify sth. They fortified the city.
Similar Words
Synonyms: anbringen, fixieren, sichern; Antonyms: lösen, lockern
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' + 'fest' (firm, solid) + the verbal suffix '-igen'. It literally means 'to make firm'.
Memory Tips
To make something 'fest' (firm), you 'befestigen' it. Think of making something 'be-firm'.