latch

[lach]

noun

1. a device for holding a door, gate, or the like, closed, consisting basically of a bar falling or sliding into a catch, groove, hole, etc.

2. a breastfeeding baby’s attachment or connection to the mother’s breast.

   A good, deep latch is important because it allows the infant to get enough milk.

verb (used with object)

1. to close or fasten with a latch.

2. to attach (a breastfeeding baby) to the breast.

   You should know how to properly latch your newborn.

verb (used without object)

1. to close tightly so that the latch is secured.

   The door won't latch.

2. (of a breastfeeding baby) to be or become attached to the breast.

   Failure to latch can be the result of poor positioning of the baby.

verb phrase

1. latch onto

   1. to take possession of; obtain; get.

   2. to acquire understanding of; comprehend.

   3. to attach oneself to; join in with.

      The stray dog latched onto the children and wouldn't go home.

2. latch on

   1. to grab or hold on, as to an object or idea, especially tightly or tenaciously.

   2. to include or add in; attach.

      If we latch the tax on, the bill will come to over $100.

latch

/ lætʃ /

noun

1. a fastening for a gate or door that consists of a bar that may be slid or lowered into a groove, hole, etc

2. a spring-loaded door lock that can be opened by a key from outside

3. Also called: latch circuit. electronics a logic circuit that transfers the input states to the output states when signalled, the output thereafter remaining insensitive to changes in input status until signalled again

verb

1. to fasten, fit, or be fitted with or as if with a latch

Other Word Forms

• relatch verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of latch¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English lacchen, Old English lǣccan “to take hold of, catch, seize”; akin to Greek lázesthai “to take”

Word History and Origins

Origin of latch¹

Old English læccan to seize, of Germanic origin; related to Greek lazesthai

Example Sentences

Researchers understood in the 1980s that T-cells mature in the thymus and undergo a test to eliminate cells that would latch on to our own tissues.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

France centre Nassira Konde crossed for her second try to close the gap, but Meg Jones ensured England had the final say as she latched on to replacement Holly Aitchison's kick to dot down.

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There’s no guarantee the Chargers will pass through the gate of golden opportunity, but this 2-0 team has sawed the lock off the latch.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And so, when he uses martyr language to describe Kirk, his adherents latch on.

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You don’t have to avoid these areas, but should instead wear protective clothing to prevent a tick from latching onto your skin.

Read more on Los Angeles Times