noun
plural latches
[count] a device that holds a door, gate, or window closed and that consists of a bar that falls into a holder when it is closed and that is lifted when it is open
chiefly Brit :a type of door lock that can be opened from the inside by turning a lever or knob but can only be opened from the outside with a key
on the latch
Brit of a door :closed but not locked
verb
latches; latched; latching
[+ obj] :to close or fasten (something, such as a door) with a latch
verb
latches; latched; latching
compare 2latch
latch on
[phrasal verb] informal
Brit :to begin to understand something
latch on to (something) or latch onto (something)
to grab and hold (something)
to begin using or doing (something) in an enthusiastic way
latch on to (someone or something) or latch onto (someone or something) :to stay close to (someone or something)