latch
Translation
to latch, to fasten, to lock
Examples
Please latch the gate behind you.
Please latch the gate behind you.
The baby latched onto her mother.
The baby latched onto her mother.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to fasten (sth.) with a latch. Please latch the gate.
((onto sb./sth.)) to attach oneself firmly to (sb./sth.). The baby latched onto her mother.
Similar Words
Synonyms: fasten, lock, secure
Etymology
From Old English 'læccan', meaning 'to seize, grasp'.
Memory Tips
Imagine the 'click' sound a latch makes. It's also a noun for the lock itself. 'Latch onto' means to grab or understand an idea.