latch

latch¹ [lætʃ] n

1.) a small metal or plastic object used to keep a door, gate, or window closed

▪ Gwen lifted the latch and opened the gate.

2.) especially BrE a type of lock for a door that you can open from the inside by turning a handle, but that you need a key to open from the outside

on the latch

(=shut but not locked)

▪ Ray went out, leaving the door on the latch.

latch ²

latch² v [T]

[: Old English; Origin: lAccan]

to fasten a door, gate, or window with a latch

latch on phr v

BrE informal to understand

▪ He's so thick it took him ages to latch on.

latch onto / [latch onto sb/sth] phr v

1.) to become very interested in something

▪ Don't just latch on to the latest management fads.

2.) to follow someone and keep trying to talk to them, get their attention etc, especially when they would prefer to be left alone

▪ He latched onto Sandy at the party and wouldn't go away.

3.) to hold tightly to something with your hand, mouth etc

▪ a baby latching on to its mother's breast