Synonyms

switch-off

American

[swich-awf, -of] / ˈswɪtʃˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun

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

switch off British

verb

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

switch off Idioms

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.

Etymology

Origin of switch-off

Noun use of verb phrase switch off

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2025

The research team found the switch-off protein using advanced technology predicting unknown proteins.

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2024

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, Rome's Colosseum and the Parthenon in Athens were all used in the switch-off.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2024

Sesay said the switch-off by Karpowership had reduced electricity supply to the capital by 13%.

From Reuters • Sep. 8, 2023

"With a switch-off on the automatic, if they fail?"

From What Need of Man? by Calin, Harold

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