switch-on

American  

[swich-on, -awn] / ˈswɪtʃˌɒn, -ˌɔn /

noun

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

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switch on British  

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

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switch on Idioms  

1. 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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Etymology

Origin of switch-on

Noun use of verb phrase switch on

Example Sentences

The council said Christmas switch-on events would take place in Halesowen on 15 November, in Brierley Hill and Stourbridge on 22 November, in Sedgley on 23 November and in Dudley on 6 December.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2025

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

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 switch-on is cancelled, the start of late-night shopping delayed for a week.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2023

Hundreds of people headed to a North Yorkshire town's seafront to see the light switch-on of its "fishtive" Christmas tree.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2022

Related Words

• affect
• arouse
• energize
• galvanize
• inflame
• inspire
• kindle
• prompt
• provoke
• raise
• rouse
• spark
• spur
• touch
• trigger
• whip up