2N-COUNT 碰锁;弹簧锁 A latch is a lock on a door which locks automatically when you shut the door, so that you need a key in order to open it from the outside. 碰锁;弹簧锁
...a key clicked in the latch of the front door. [+ of]
钥匙插进前门弹簧锁里发出咔嗒一声
If a door is on the latch or off the latch, the latch has been set so that it will not lock when you shut the door.(门)虚掩着,没上锁
Let yourself in; the door's on the latch.
你自己进来吧,门没上锁。
They leave their back door off the latch when they're at home so that friends can pop in.
他们在家时就让后门虚掩着,好让朋友们可以随时进来。
3VERB 用闩闩上;用碰锁锁上 If you latch a door or gate, you fasten it by means of a latch. 用闩闩上;用碰锁锁上
He latched the door, tested it, and turned around to speak to Frank. [VERB noun]