How Do You Spell LATCH?

Pronunciation: [lˈat͡ʃ] (IPA)

The word "latch" is spelled with the letters L-A-T-C-H. The IPA phonetic transcription for the word "latch" is /lætʃ/. The first sound is the "L" sound, which is a voiceless alveolar lateral fricative. This is followed by the "A" sound, which is a short vowel pronounced with the tongue in the low front position. The "T" sound is a voiceless alveolar stop, followed by the "CH" sound, which is a voiceless palatal affricate. Together, these sounds make up the word "latch".

LATCH Meaning and Definition

  1. A latch is a mechanical device, typically made of metal or plastic, that is used to secure or fasten two objects or surfaces together. It is designed to hold or lock a door, gate, or container in a closed position, preventing unauthorized access or accidental openings.

    In its simplest form, a latch consists of a lever or a sliding mechanism that can be manually operated to engage or disengage it. When engaged, the latch extends or protrudes to fit into a corresponding slot, hole, or strike plate, preventing the door or gate from swinging open. This action keeps the two surfaces firmly connected until the latch is intentionally released or unlocked.

    Latches can vary in size, complexity, and functionality depending on their specific application. Some common types of latches include barrel latches, cam latches, mortise latches, and spring latches. They can be operated using a handle, knob, key, or even a mechanical or electrical device.

    Latches are widely used in various industries and settings, including residential homes, offices, vehicles, cabinets, toolboxes, and even electronic devices. Their presence ensures security, privacy, and safety by providing a reliable means of fastening and preventing unwanted entry or movement.

  2. • A crossbow.
    • To fasten with a latch.
    • A small bar of iron or wood moving on a pivot, used for fastening a door, and raised by a handle or string.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for LATCH

Etymology of LATCH

The word "latch" originated from Old English "læccan" or "läccan", which meant "to catch or seize". It is related to Old Norse "laska" and Middle Dutch "lach" with the same meaning. Over time, "latch" evolved in Middle English to refer specifically to a device used to fasten a door or gate, eventually becoming the term we know today.

Idioms with the word LATCH

  • on the latch The idiom "on the latch" refers to something, usually a door, that is not fully closed and can be easily opened or accessed. It implies that there is an opportunity or possibility to enter or engage with something or someone.
  • latch onto The idiom "latch onto" means to firmly grasp or seize something, often figuratively, and remain attached or connected to it. It can also refer to understanding or taking hold of an idea, concept, or opportunity.
  • latch onto sth The idiom "latch onto sth" means to grasp or seize something eagerly, often with persistence or strong interest. It refers to the act of embracing or holding onto something tightly, either mentally or physically, in order to gain advantage, understanding, or support.
  • latch string is always out The idiom "latch string is always out" refers to a welcoming and hospitable environment or person. It originates from the practice of leaving the latch string outside the door unlocked, indicating that visitors are always welcome and can enter freely. Therefore, "latch string is always out" means that someone is always ready and open to receive guests or provide assistance.
  • latch onto (someone or something) To "latch onto (someone or something)" means to cling onto or attach oneself to someone or something, typically as a way to gain support, attention, or advantage. It implies a strong and often desperate desire to remain connected or associated with the person or thing, often to the point of being overly dependent.
  • latch onto sb/sth The idiom "latch onto sb/sth" means to firmly grasp or attach oneself to someone or something. It refers to becoming emotionally or physically connected with someone or something, often in a determined or persistent manner. It can also imply holding onto someone or something tightly for support or dependence.
  • latch on (to sm) The idiom "latch on (to sm)" means to understand or comprehend something, typically a concept or idea, quickly or eagerly. It refers to the act of grasping or seizing upon something and holding onto it firmly. It can also imply the act of becoming deeply interested or involved in something.
  • latch on to The idiom "latch on to" means to cling tightly to something or someone, or to firmly grasp and hold onto an idea, concept, or opportunity. It refers to a strong attachment or understanding, often with an element of persistence or determination.
  • latch onto something The idiom "latch onto something" means to grasp or understand something quickly and eagerly, often in a fervent or determined manner. It implies a strong attachment or interest in a particular concept, idea, or opportunity.
  • latch on (to someone) The idiom "latch on (to someone)" means to become associated or cling to someone closely, especially in a persistent and often annoying manner. It implies a strong attachment or dependence on that person, often in a way that can be burdensome or excessive.

Similar spelling words for LATCH

Plural form of LATCH is LATCHES

Conjugate verb Latch

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have latched
you would have latched
he/she/it would have latched
we would have latched
they would have latched
I would have latch
you would have latch
he/she/it would have latch
we would have latch
they would have latch

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been latching
you would have been latching
he/she/it would have been latching
we would have been latching
they would have been latching

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would latch
you would latch
he/she/it would latch
we would latch
they would latch

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be latching
you would be latching
he/she/it would be latching
we would be latching
they would be latching

FUTURE

I will latch
you will latch
he/she/it will latch
we will latch
they will latch

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be latching
you will be latching
he/she/it will be latching
we will be latching
they will be latching

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have latched
you will have latched
he/she/it will have latched
we will have latched
they will have latched

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been latching
you will have been latching
he/she/it will have been latching
we will have been latching
they will have been latching

IMPERATIVE

you latch
we let´s latch

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to latch

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was latching
you were latching
he/she/it was latching
we were latching
they were latching

PAST PARTICIPLE

latched

PAST PERFECT

I had latched
you had latched
he/she/it had latched
we had latched
they had latched

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been latching
you had been latching
he/she/it had been latching
we had been latching
they had been latching

PRESENT

I latch
you latch
he/she/it latches
we latch
they latch

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am latching
you are latching
he/she/it is latching
we are latching
they are latching

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

latching

PRESENT PERFECT

I have latched
you have latched
he/she/it has latched
we have latched
they have latched

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been latching
you have been latching
he/she/it has been latching
we have been latching
they have been latching

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it latch

SIMPLE PAST

I latched
you latched
he/she/it latched
we latched
they latched

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