latch

Definition

  • noun: 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
  • verb: to lay hold with or as if with the hands or arms
  • verb: to close or fasten (something, such as a door) with a latch
  • used with 'on' or 'onto'
  • synonyms: smear, anoint, lace

Examples

  • Soon after she got to the party, some strange man 'latched on to' her [=started talking to her] and wouldn't go away.

  • Many companies have 'latched onto' [='adopted'] the trend of using consultants.

  • The news media has 'latched on to' the scandal.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Starting with yours. Then we have nothing left to discuss. You will give me the frequencies to disable Earth's defenses. Centaurian slugs. They latch on to your brain stem... and release a toxin that will force you to answer. Frequencies please, sir. Christopher Pike, captain of (..)
    2009 Star Trek
  • (..) - Good. - Why? Oh, no reason. You know what I... found the other day is that the-- the-- the latch on the soda machine wasn't... latching. It's-- it's catching every time that I stock that darn thing. (..)
    2013 TvShow: Breaking Bad Title: Confessions Season: 5 Episode 11
  • (..) larger than himself... Larger than even me, as much as I hate to admit it. And look at that winning smile, those trusting eyes. I latched onto him early on and made myself vital. After years in congress, I can smell which way the wind is blowing. Oh, Jim Matthews, (..)
    2013 TvShow: House of Cards Title: Chapter 1 Season: 1 Episode 1