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View synonyms for switch-on

switch-on

[ swich-on, -awn ]

noun

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


switch on

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
“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


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Word History and Origins

Origin of switch-on1

Noun use of verb phrase switch on
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Idioms and Phrases

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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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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