Latching

latch  (lch)

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.

Idiom:

latch on to/onto

To get hold of; obtain: latched on to a fortune in the fur trade.

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[Middle English latche, from lacchen, to seize, from Old English læccan.]