latch
Translation
catch, fastener, to fasten
Examples
The latch on the gate is broken.
The latch on the gate is broken.
Did you latch the door?
Did you latch the door?
The baby latched onto the bottle.
The baby latched onto the bottle.
Grammar Patterns
a/the latch on ((sth.)) a fastener on something The latch on the window is loose.
to latch ((sth.)) to fasten something She latched the gate behind her.
to latch onto ((sth.)) to attach firmly to something The child latched onto his mother's hand.
Similar Words
Synonyms (noun): bolt, catch, fastener; Synonyms (verb): fasten, lock, secure
Etymology
From Middle English 'lacchen', meaning 'to seize, grasp'.
Memory Tips
Imagine the 'click' sound a LATCH makes when it catches. It's both the object (noun) and the action (verb).