switch-off

[ swich-awf, -of ]

/ ˈswɪtʃˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

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noun

the act or process of switching off a power supply, light source, appliance, etc.

QUIZZES

QUIZ YOURSELF ON “THEIR,” “THERE,” AND “THEY’RE”

Are you aware how often people swap around “their,” “there,” and “they’re”? Prove you have more than a fair grasp over these commonly confused words.

Question 1 of 7

Which one of these commonly confused words can act as an adverb or a pronoun?

their

there

they're

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of switch-off

Noun use of verb phrase switch off

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for switch-off

Although the blood-spattered offices will be off-limits, staff have vowed to continue producing the magazine.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
A passing off-duty school safety officer named Fred Lucas said that he had been told the man was a drug dealer.
Shot Down During the NYPD Slowdown|Michael Daly|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The NOPD fired Knight in 1973 for stealing lumber from a construction site as an off-duty cop.
The Louisiana Racists Who Courted Steve Scalise|Jason Berry|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The off-year special election into which Duke threw himself drew little media notice at first.
The Louisiana Racists Who Courted Steve Scalise|Jason Berry|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST

Aaron Paul may play a young Han Solo in the first Star Wars spin-off.
Juiciest ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Rumors (and Some Debunked Ones)|Rich Goldstein|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
A far-off volley rumbled over the plain, and a few birds stirred uneasily among the trees.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
He lifted his head, looked around him, and was just going to switch off the light, when he noticed the open book on his table.
Bella Donna|Robert Hichens
Even as he spoke, Gray had found the switch, and the apartment of Kazmah became flooded with subdued light.
Dope|Sax Rohmer
She had forgotten to tell her mother of that fact—the safety of the closed receiving switch.
The Campfire Girls of Roselawn|Margaret Penrose
Delancy's hand shot out to the radio switch, cutting off the voice of the announcer.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various

British Dictionary definitions for switch-off

switch off

verb (adverb)

to cause (a device) to stop operating by or as if by moving a switch, knob, or lever; turn off

informal to cease to interest or be interested; make or become bored, alienated, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Idioms and Phrases with switch-off

switch off

Stop paying attention, lose interest, as in Whenever he starts in on economics, I switch off automatically. This metaphoric expression transfers turning off a light switch or similar device to diverting one's attention. [c. 1860] Also see switch on.

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