holdfast

Anchor or clamp

A holdfast is a device or structure that grips or secures something firmly in place.

In woodworking, it's a metal clamp that anchors workpieces to a bench.

In marine biology, it's the rootlike base by which seaweed and other organisms attach themselves to rocks or the seafloor.

The word can also describe a person who clings stubbornly to possessions or beliefs, though this sense is now rare.

attachment

cling

Hold tightly to

stickThin piece of wood
bondBinding tie or connection
attachJoin or connect

adhere · cohere · affix · clamp · clasp · grip · grasp · traction · purchase · clingy

biology

algae

Primitive aquatic photosynthesizers

kelpLarge brown marine algae
seaweedSaltwater aquatic plants
substrateUnderlying supporting material

rock · intertidal · frond · stipe · blade · marine · tidepool · attachment · rootlike · anchoring

structural

bracket

Support or category

braceDevice providing structural stability
clampDevice for holding tight
boltThreaded rod for nuts

rivet · fixture · mount · strut · buttress · girder · scaffolding · reinforcement · support · prop

security

lock

Mechanism requiring a key

latchDoor-securing catch
padlockPortable locking device
shackleMetal limb restraint

bind · cinch · ratchet · immobilize · fortify · safeguard · protect · fetter · chain · secure

anchor

mooring

Vessel's secured resting place

cleatShoe spike for grip
shankLower leg segment
flukeChance stroke of luck

kedge · hawser · seabed · marina · berth · dockyard · nautical · vessel · buoy · chain

Categories

gripping toolspliers, forceps, combination pliers, clamp, clamps
blacksmithinganvil, anvils, forge, forges, bellows
cnidarianssea anemone, corals, stony coral, moon jelly, jellyfish
kelp forestkelp, giant kelp, bull kelp, holdfasts, frond
seaweedkelp, nori, wakame, kombu, dulse
woodworking toolschisel, plane, saw, mallet, clamp

Opposites

grip/attachment mechanism

holdfastrelease mechanism

Device that unlocks restraint

quick-release · ejector · detacher · unclamp · breakaway

BIOLOGICAL ANCHORING (of seaweed/marine organisms)

holdfastdrift

Gradual movement, no direction

free-floating · float · planktonic · pelagic · unanchored

TENACITY/PERSISTENCE (figurative use)

holdfastlet go

Cease holding something

release · relinquish · surrender · abandon · give up

Family

hold, held, holder, holding, uphold, withhold, holds, behold, fastener

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G