latches on

Attaches and holds

Latches on means to grasp or attach firmly, either physically or mentally.

A baby latches on when it takes the nipple properly during breastfeeding.

More figuratively, if someone latches on to an idea, they seize upon it eagerly and won't let go: He latched on to the conspiracy theory and wouldn't hear otherwise.

People who latch on to others attach themselves in a clinging, sometimes unwelcome way.

Related

picks up on · grasp · hold onto · holds tight · clasp · fasten · clutch · affix · hook · attach · locks onto · takes hold · depend · secure · rely · anchor · seize · bond

Opposites
physical attachment

latches onlets go

Relinquishes hold, or urges haste

releases · detaches · unfastens · loosens · unclasps

mental/emotional attachment

latches ondismisses

Terminates or rejects

ignores · abandons · drops · tunes out · releases

dependency/clinging behavior

latches onbacks off

Withdraws from pressure

pulls away · stands alone · withdraws · separates

Family

latch, latches, latched, latching

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G