switch-on
noun
the act or process of switching on an ignition, light, appliance, etc.
switch-on
American
[swich-on, -awn]
/ ˈswɪtʃˌɒn, -ˌɔn /
noun
switch on
British
verb
-
to cause (a device) to operate by or as if by moving a switch, knob, or lever; turn on
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informal (tr) to produce (charm, tears, etc) suddenly or automatically
-
informal (tr) (now slightly dated) to make up-to-date, esp regarding outlook, dress, etc
-
slang (tr) to arouse emotionally or sexually
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slang (intr) to take or become intoxicated by drugs
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slang (tr) to introduce (someone) to drugs
switch on
Idioms
Etymology
Origin of switch-on
Noun use of verb phrase switch on
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.
See Examples For:
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 ● Dec. 11, 2024
She said the switch-on fun would also feature fireworks and refreshments.
From BBC ● Dec. 7, 2024
About 200 people are expected to attend a lights switch-on from 18:30 GMT in which the tree will glow with 1,000 lights.
From BBC ● Dec. 7, 2024
The market's opening day coincided with the Belfast Christmas lights switch-on, with a number of roads in the city centre closed.
From BBC ● Nov. 16, 2024
Thursday's Christmas tree lights switch-on was also cancelled due to the bad weather forecast, the council confirmed.
From BBC ● Nov. 17, 2022
These included NAMPT, IL6, IL1B and NLRP3, which usually switch on when the body is under stress.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 13, 2026
Scottish households have been less likely to switch on for England matches than households in Wales and Northern Ireland, despite both nations having failed to qualify for the tournament.
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026
“We’re not pulling a bait and switch on you,” Hoover told The Times.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 4, 2026
ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine—When Elon Musk flipped the off switch on Russian forces’ Starlink internet connections in February, Ukraine’s military went on the offensive.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 21, 2026
I can't pick up a newspaper or turn the pages of a book or switch on a CD player.
From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements
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.
