turn off

British  

verb

1. to leave (a road, pathway, etc)

2. (of a road, pathway, etc) to deviate from (another road, etc)

3. (tr, adverb) to cause (something) to cease operating by turning a knob, pushing a button, etc

   to turn off the radio

4. informal (tr) to cause (a person, etc) to feel dislike or distaste for (something)

   this music turns me off

5. informal (tr, adverb) to dismiss from employment

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noun

1. a road or other way branching off from the main thoroughfare

2. informal a person or thing that elicits dislike or distaste

turn off Idioms  

1. Stop the operation, activity, or flow of; shut off, as in Turn off the lights when you leave . [Mid-1800s]

2. Affect with dislike, revulsion, or boredom; cause to lose interest. For example, That vulgar comedian turned us off completely , or The movie was all right for an hour or so, but then I was turned off . [ Slang ; mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

During more difficult periods, she says she used tools like making her stories private and turning off comments.

From BBC

Russian and Iranian ships would often turn off their transponders while making their runs, leaving them even harder to track, analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Having to wait in line to check in or get a drink could also turn off hotel regulars.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fire alarms in seven of the estate's eight blocks had been turned off, the committee's counsel said in opening remarks.

From Barron's

But he also noted that the alerts are most helpful when you have a specific action for people to take, such as turning off lights or evacuating.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alienate
• bore
• irritate
• offend