latch

American  

[lach] / lætʃ /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• relatch verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of latch

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

Example Sentences

When a gust yanks the handle out of her grasp, she decides to batten down the hatches, latching it behind her and inspecting her surroundings via phone flashlight.

From Literature

We’ve been over the plan a few times: go in, leash Mav with the leash I brought, and leave, “forgetting” to latch the door.

From Literature

“On the east edge of the pond, there’s an abandoned cabin. Go through the back window with the broken latch. You’ll find Hesterfowl in the attic.”

From Literature

For Musk, that means latching on to one or two existential issues and riding them week after week.

From The Wall Street Journal

“But if that shock continues, they will latch onto it. They will follow those trends and typically, they’re going to do much better than anyone else in these environments.”

From Barron's