latch
43
2.6
- noun
- /læʧ/
- Claude reached for a shutter latch and traced a path worn by years, decades, perhaps centuries of use.
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Watch on YouTubeIs it possible the artificial intelligence will give us an escape latch somehow?
- Is it possible the artificial intelligence will give us an escape latch somehow?
- And yeah, because when I kicked it in, like the, the, the deadbolt and the throw latch both broke off the door.
Examples
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Why don't you just step over there and push down that latch?
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Oh, I meant to ask Willie to repair this latch for ages.
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"Here is the lock and latch of the key to your heart."
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But closer by, I saw it was wood with an ancient iron latch and lock.
Fiction book (1991) -
It's got this loop and it's got this latch at the top.
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"I pulled the door latch and the overhead light went on.
Fiction book (1990) -
A pane in one of the casement windows, near the latch, was broken.
Fiction book (1992) -
Many boxes also have safety latches that automatically engage whenever the lid is closed.
Academic text (1997) -
Lori fumbled with the latch until it clicked open, and the two boys fell into the church.
Fiction book (1991) -
The old wooden door had a rusty latch that was difficult to open.
Synonyms
552
1.0
A device that holds doors or containers closed with a key
9
5.6
A device that holds or locks something closed
3
3.8
A device on a door that you open from the outside with a key
2
2.8
A lock on a door that keeps people from opening it from outside
2
2.3
A small device attached to a window that keeps it closed and stops people opening it
1
1.8
A thing on a door that stops people from opening it unless they have a key or code
1
4.2
A metal bar you slide to lock and unlock a door or gate
1
6.2
A small lock on a window with two moving panels that keeps them closed
1
4.5
A metal bar on a door that you lock from inside to stop people entering
1
6.7
A device that keeps a door or safe closed until someone lifts the levers to the right heights
1
8.0
A lock on a door that you open inside by a knob and outside with a key
A small piece that locks the two sliding parts of a window
Compounds
How Secure
Surface Forms
Etymology
Latch comes from an old English word meaning 'to catch' or 'hold', an idea like the word catch. So a latch is the small piece that 'catches' a door or gate to keep it closed.