Synonyms

switch-on

American

[swich-on, -awn] / ˈswɪtʃˌɒn, -ˌɔn /

noun

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

switch on British

verb

to cause (a device) to operate by or as if by moving a switch, knob, or lever; turn on
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
slang (intr) to take or become intoxicated by drugs
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

switch on Idioms

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.

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.

Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson said the big switch-on was "an opportunity to show that hate will never win in our communities".

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2024

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

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

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2023

Thursday's Christmas tree lights switch-on was also cancelled due to the bad weather forecast, the council confirmed.

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2022

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