Definition

1. Noun:

   • A simple fastening device for a door or gate: A latch is a mechanical device that holds a door, gate, or window closed. It typically consists of a bar that falls or slides into a notch or catch.
   • A type of lock: Specifically, a spring-loaded door lock that can be opened from the outside only with a key.

2. Verb:

   • To fasten or close with a latch: The action of securing a door, gate, or window by engaging its latch.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • He lifted the latch and opened the gate.
  • The door has a broken latch, so it won't stay closed.

• Verb:

  • Please latch the gate when you leave.
  • She latched the window securely before the storm.

Advanced Usage

• "on the latch": Describes a door that is closed but not locked; the latch is engaged but can be opened from the outside without a key by turning the handle.

  • I left the back door on the latch for you.

• "latch onto" (phrasal verb): To attach oneself to someone or something, either physically or figuratively; to understand or become strongly interested in an idea.

  • The child latched onto his mother's leg.
  • He quickly latched onto the new concept.

Variants and Related Words

• Latchkey (n): A key for opening a latch, especially on an outer door.

  • She wore her latchkey on a string around her neck.

• Latched (adj): Describes something that has been fastened with a latch.

  • The latched gate kept the dog in the yard.

• Latching (n/adj): The act or mechanism of fastening with a latch.

  • The latching mechanism is very smooth.

Synonyms

• Noun: catch, bolt, fastener, clasp, hook.
• Verb: fasten, secure, bolt, lock, close.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Latch on (to): To grasp or understand something; to attach oneself to.
  • The audience quickly latched on to the speaker's main point.
  • The idea latched on and became very popular.

Related Idioms

• Latch string is always out: An expression meaning visitors are always welcome. Historically, a latch string was a cord that could be pulled from the outside to lift the latch; leaving it out meant the door was unlocked.
  • At their house, the latch string is always out for friends.

Noun

1. catch for fastening a door or gate; a bar that can be lowered or slid into a groove
2. spring-loaded doorlock that can only be opened from the outside with a key

Verb

1. fasten with a latch
   • latch the door