switch-on

American  

[swich-on, -awn] / ˈswɪtʃˌɒn, -ˌɔn /

noun

1. the act or process of switching on an ignition, light, appliance, etc.

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switch on British  

verb

1. to cause (a device) to operate by or as if by moving a switch, knob, or lever; turn on

2. informal  (tr) to produce (charm, tears, etc) suddenly or automatically

3. informal  (tr) (now slightly dated) to make up-to-date, esp regarding outlook, dress, etc

4. slang  (tr) to arouse emotionally or sexually

5. slang  (intr) to take or become intoxicated by drugs

6. slang  (tr) to introduce (someone) to drugs

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switch on Idioms  

1. Produce as if operating by a control, as in She switched on the charm as soon as he walked in. [Mid-1900s] Also see switch off.

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Etymology

Origin of switch-on

Noun use of verb phrase switch on

Example Sentences

And up until three years ago, she used to host a party for more than 80 guests on the evening of "Courtenay's switch-on".

From BBC

Instead, organisers have been left scrambling to organise a muted switch-on, with Sunday's event cancelled following advice from its safety advisory group, amid nationwide security concerns in the wake of the Manchester synagogue attack.

From BBC

The council said Christmas switch-on events would take place in Halesowen on 15 November, in Brierley Hill and Stourbridge on 22 November, in Sedgley on 23 November and in Dudley on 6 December.

From BBC

High-profile cases include the stabbing of Ava White, who was just 12 when she was attacked by a boy at a Christmas lights switch-on event in 2021.

From BBC

Starting from Goodison Park, at the junction of Spellow Lane and Goodison Road, the library lit up with a beam of light shooting into the sky in a symbolic switch-on, following live music performances..

From BBC

Related Words

• affect
• arouse
• energize
• galvanize
• inflame
• inspire
• kindle
• prompt
• provoke
• raise
• rouse
• spark
• spur
• touch
• trigger
• whip up