latch
The definition of a latch is a hook, bar or other mechanism that causes a door or cupboard to close and stay closed.
(noun)A metal bar that keeps a gate from opening is an example of a latch.
Latch is defined as to fasten something closed.
(verb)When you close a gate and fasten a metal bar to keep it from opening, this is an example of when you latch the gate.
See latch in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
- a fastening for a door or gate, esp. one capable of being worked from either side by means of a lever and consisting of a bar that falls into a notch in a piece attached to the doorjamb or gatepost
- a spring lock on a door; specif., a night latch
- a fastening for a window, etc.
Origin: ME lacche < lacchen, to seize, catch hold of < OE læccan < IE base *(s)lagw-, to grasp, seize > Gr lazesthai, to take, lambanein, to seize
transitive verb, intransitive verb
See latch in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- A fastening, as for a door or gate, typically consisting of a bar that fits into a notch or slot and is lifted from either side by a lever or string.
- A spring lock, as for a door, that is opened from the outside by a key.
- To have or be closed with a latch.
- To shut tightly so that the latch is engaged: a door too warped to latch.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English latche
Origin: , from lacchen, to seize
Origin: , from Old English lǽccan
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