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. Informal.
   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. 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 calledlatch 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 Words From

• re·latch 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

In the past, her performances have been met with conservative backlash, latching onto the political undertones of her song "Formation" and showcasing Southern Black history.

From Salon

That idea of saving money is something that brands latch on to with their marketing.

From BBC

The Dodgers love to latch onto pitchers such as this, with great upside potential upon recovery.

From Los Angeles Times

Now Russia has latched on to an unfounded allegation made by Georgian Dream's founder that a high-ranking foreign official asked Georgia's former prime minister to join a war with Russia "for three or four days".

From BBC

The recent attack ads have latched on to the controversy that roiled the state Capitol four years ago.

From Los Angeles Times