What does the cryptic crossword clue "Beset by awful dread, the fellow held fast (7)" mean?

The definition is "fast". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of HE (synonym="the fellow") + DREAD (synonym="DREAD") = ADHERED; definition: "held fast" The answer is ADHERED.

Beset by awful dread, the fellow held fast (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29007 | 25 Across | 2023-03-02 flower

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