switch
[ swich ]
/ swɪtʃ /
noun
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
Words nearby switch
swiss steak, swiss tournament, swisser, swissvale, swit., switch, switch box, switch cane, switch engine, switch grass, switch off
Idioms for switch
asleep at the switch, Informal. failing to perform one's duty, missing an opportunity, etc., because of negligence or inattention: He lost the contract because he was asleep at the switch.
Origin of switch
1585–95; earlier swits, switz slender riding whip, flexible stick; compare Low German (Hanoverian) schwutsche long, thin stick
SYNONYMS FOR switch
OTHER WORDS FROM switch
Definition for switch on (2 of 2)
switch-on
[ swich-on, -awn ]
/ ˈswɪtʃˌɒn, -ˌɔn /
noun
the act or process of switching on an ignition, light, appliance, etc.
Origin of switch-on
noun use of verb phrase switch on
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for switch on (1 of 2)
switch on
verb (adverb)
to cause (a device) to operate by or as if by moving a switch, knob, or lever; turn on
(tr) informal to produce (charm, tears, etc) suddenly or automatically
(tr) informal (now slightly dated) to make up-to-date, esp regarding outlook, dress, etc
(tr) slang to arouse emotionally or sexually
(intr) slang to take or become intoxicated by drugs
(tr) slang to introduce (someone) to drugs
British Dictionary definitions for switch on (2 of 2)
switch
/ (swɪtʃ) /
noun
verb
See also switch off, switch on
Derived forms of switch
switcher, nounswitchlike, adjectiveWord Origin for switch
C16: perhaps from Middle Dutch swijch branch, twig
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 on (1 of 2)
switch on
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.
Idioms and Phrases with switch on (2 of 2)
switch
In addition to the idioms beginning with switch
- switch off
- switch on
also see:
- asleep at the switch
- bait and switch
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.