latch
latch Lexical Profile
latch Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A fastening device for a door, gate, or window, typically consisting of a metal bar that falls into a catch or slot.
"She lifted the heavy iron latch and pushed the wooden gate open."
A spring-loaded door lock that can only be opened from the outside with a key.
"I realized too late that the latch had engaged and my keys were still inside the apartment."
• verb
To close, fasten, or lock securely with a mechanical catch or bar.
"Make sure you latch the door properly before leaving the house."
To grip or hold onto tightly or persistently (often used with 'on' or 'onto').
"The baby quickly learned how to latch securely onto the bottle."
• Rhymes for latch
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'lacchen' (to catch, grasp), which derived from Old English 'læccan' (to seize, catch). The noun sense of a fastening device evolved in the 14th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.