Latchkey: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
latchkey
[ หlรฆtสki ]
home access
A latchkey refers to a key that is used to open a latch or lock, typically for a door. It is often associated with children who have a key to their home, allowing them to enter unsupervised when their parents are not home. The term can also symbolize independence and responsibility among children.
Synonyms
door key, house key, key.
Examples of usage
- She has a latchkey to get into her house after school.
- Many latchkey kids learn to take care of themselves.
- He always kept the latchkey on a chain around his neck.
Translations
Translations of the word "latchkey" in other languages:
๐ต๐น chave de fenda
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคฌเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Haustรผrschlรผssel
๐ฎ๐ฉ kunci rumah
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะปัั
๐ต๐ฑ klucz do domu
๐ฏ๐ต ้ต
๐ซ๐ท clรฉ de maison
๐ช๐ธ llave
๐น๐ท anahtar
๐ฐ๐ท ์ด์
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ูุชุงุญ
๐จ๐ฟ klรญฤ
๐ธ๐ฐ kฤพรบฤ
๐จ๐ณ ้ฅๅ
๐ธ๐ฎ kljuฤ
๐ฎ๐ธ lykill
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบัะปั
๐ฌ๐ช แฆแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ aรงar
๐ฒ๐ฝ llave
Etymology
The term 'latchkey' has its roots in Middle English, originating from the combination of 'latch', which denotes a fastening mechanism for doors, and 'key', the instrument used to operate that fastening. Historically, these terms evolved from Old Norse 'lวซttr' (latch) and Old English 'cรฆg' (key). The usage of 'latchkey' grew, especially in the 20th century, to reflect changing social dynamics, particularly in urban environments, where more children began to stay home alone due to parents' work commitments. This led to the phenomenon of 'latchkey kids', a term that reflects the independence some children had in managing their home environment while their parents were away. As society progressed, the concept became a point of discussion regarding child safety and development, emphasizing the balance between independence and supervision.