Fast

Fast is an interesting word because two of its meanings seem contradictory.

As an adjective, fast means swift or quick.

• She is a fast runner.
• The internet is very fast.

But fast also means firm or without movement.

• The farmer made fast the door to the storage shed.
• He is my fast friend and has stood by me in difficult times.
• The desk drawers were stuck fast.

The second meaning according to Merriam-Websters Online dictionary is the original meaning historically.

When we use fast as a verb, it means to eat little or no food.

Christians fast during lent, and Moslems fast during Ramadan.