switch-off

[swich-awf, -of]

noun

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

switch off

verb

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of switch-off¹

Noun use of verb phrase switch off

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

After the Games and last year's Worlds, where she defended her individual sprint title and won team sprint gold, she flew to Perth, Australia, with Richardson for two months for a "complete switch-off".

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"I don't think so," he replied when asked about the switch-off at 24-5.

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"Every start and switch-off of the engine counts as one cycle," he explained.

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The switch-off will begin on a smaller scale, and affected homes and businesses will be contacted by suppliers "well ahead of time", the energy department said.

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Fuel poverty campaigners said the switch-off process had been "doomed to failure" after it became clear that the 30 June deadline was "simply unachievable".

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Related Words

• achieve 
• break up 
• cease 
• close 
• complete 
• conclude 
• culminate 
• delay 
• drop 
• expire 
• finish 
• give up 
• halt 
• play out 
• quit 
• resolve 
• settle 
• stop 
• terminate 
• wind up