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latch onto

 - 3 dictionary results
On Latch
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latch

  [lach]
Use latch onto in a Sentence
–noun
1. a device for holding a door, gate, or the like, closed, consisting basically of a bar falling or sliding into a catch, groove, hole, etc.
–verb (used with object)
2. to close or fasten with a latch.
–verb (used without object)
3. to close tightly so that the latch is secured: The door won't latch.
—Verb phrases
4. latch on,
a. to grab or hold on, as to an object or idea, esp. tightly or tenaciously.
b. to include or add in; attach: If we latch the tax on, the bill will come to over $100.
5. latch onto, Informal.
a. to take possession of; obtain; get.
b. to acquire understanding of; comprehend.
c. to attach oneself to; join in with: The stray dog latched onto the children and wouldn't go home.
Origin:
bef. 950; 1930–35 for def. 5; ME lacchen, OE lǣccan to take hold of, catch, seize; akin to Gk lázesthai to take
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To latch onto
On Latch
Search Our Huge Selection of Quality Electronic Components Here!
www.DigiKey.com
Locksmith 800-671-1161
24/7 Emergency Service - Your Lock & Security Experts!
www.americanlocknkey.com
latch   (lāch)   
n.  

  1. 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.

  2. A spring lock, as for a door, that is opened from the outside by a key.

v.   latched, latch·ing, latch·es

v.   tr.
To close or lock with or as if with a latch.
v.   intr.

  1. To have or be closed with a latch.

  2. To shut tightly so that the latch is engaged: a door too warped to latch.


[Middle English latche, from lacchen, to seize, from Old English læccan.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Idioms & Phrases

latch onto

Also, latch on to.

  1. Get hold of, grasp; also, understand, grasp mentally. For example, They latched onto a fortune in the fur trade, or Carol quickly latched on to how the sewing machine works. [c. 1930]

  2. Attach oneself to, join in with, as in Rob didn't know the way so he latched on to one of the older children. [c. 1930]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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