Phrase guide

latch onto

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To obtain, acquire or get and keep hold of something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • They latched onto the idea and gave it up only reluctantly.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To approach or stay close to someone, especially in a manner perceived as bothersome.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • He was looking for someone to talk to and latched onto me for some reason.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: pegarse a — Translations
  • Spanish: aferrarse a — Translations