hasp
LowTechnical/Descriptive
Definition
Meaning
A metal fastening for a door, lid, or window, typically consisting of a hinged metal plate that fits over a loop or staple and is secured by a pin, padlock, or bolt.
Can also refer to a slotted plate used as part of a securing mechanism; by extension, the act of fastening or securing something with such a device.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a concrete noun denoting a specific, often rustic or traditional, piece of hardware. Associated with manual or simple mechanical fastening. Verb usage is rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally uncommon and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes imagery of traditional woodwork, sheds, barns, chests, or rustic/antique items.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday speech in both regions, limited to specific technical or descriptive contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
fasten the haspsecure with a haspa hasp and staplea hasp and padlockVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, possibly in historical or archaeological descriptions of artefacts.
Everyday
Very rare; would be used only when specifically describing an old-fashioned locking mechanism.
Technical
Used in hardware, woodworking, metalworking, or historical restoration contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He made sure to hasp the shed door firmly.
- The chest was hasped shut with a heavy lock.
American English
- She hasped the toolbox closed.
- The old gate was hasped but not locked.
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable]
American English
- [Not applicable]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable]
American English
- [Not applicable]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The box has a small metal hasp.
- He lifted the hasp and opened the old wooden chest.
- The door was secured by nothing more than a simple iron hasp and a padlock.
- The archaeologist noted the presence of a corroded bronze hasp on the remains of the ancient casket, suggesting it was once secured for a journey.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HASp as something you HASP-ily fasten with a HASp and padlock.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS A PHYSICAL CLOSURE; CONTAINMENT IS A LOCKED BOX.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'гасп' or 'гасить'. The closest equivalent is 'шпенёк', 'задвижка', or 'щеколда', but these are not perfect matches. 'Hasp' specifically implies a plate fitting over a staple.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'hapse' or 'haspe'.
- Using it as a general term for any lock.
- Confusing it with 'latch', which is a simpler spring-loaded bar.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts are you most likely to encounter the word 'hasp'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'hasp' is a low-frequency word used primarily in specific technical, hardware, or descriptive contexts, often involving traditional or rustic items.
Yes, but it is very rare. The verb means 'to fasten with a hasp' (e.g., 'He hasped the lid shut').
A latch is often a simple spring-loaded bar that slips into a catch. A hasp is typically a hinged plate that fits over a staple and is secured by a separate pin, peg, or padlock.
For most learners, it is a low-priority, receptive vocabulary item. It's good to recognise it in descriptive texts but unlikely to be needed for active use in daily conversation.