switch off
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: 1. To cause a device or system to stop operating by moving a switch to the 'off' position: This is the primary meaning, referring to the act of stopping the flow of power or function to an electrical appliance, light, or machine by using a switch. 2. To stop paying attention; to become disengaged or bored (informal, figurative): This extended meaning describes a mental or emotional disconnection, where someone stops listening, thinking, or caring about something.
Usage Examples
- Literal meaning (to stop a device):
- Please switch off the lights when you leave the room.
- He switched off the television and went to bed.
- Remember to switch off your phone during the flight.
- Figurative meaning (to stop paying attention):
- The lecture was so boring that I completely switched off after ten minutes.
- When they start talking about finance, I just switch off.
Advanced Usage
- "to switch something off": The standard transitive form, where the object (the device) is specified.
- Could you switch the radio off?
- "to switch off" (intransitive): Often used in the figurative sense, where no object is needed.
- My brain just switches off after a long day at work.
Variants and Related Words
- Switch on (verb): The direct opposite, meaning to cause a device to start operating by moving a switch to the 'on' position.
- She switched on the computer.
- Switched-off (adjective, informal): Describing a state of being bored, disengaged, or inattentive.
- He had a switched-off expression during the meeting.
Synonyms
- Turn off: The most common and direct synonym for the literal meaning.
- Power down: Often used for computers or complex systems.
- Deactivate: A more formal term.
- Tune out (for the figurative meaning): To stop listening or paying attention.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Switch over: To change from one thing to another, especially television channels or systems.
- Let's switch over to the news channel.
- Switch out: To replace one item with another.
- We need to switch out the old bulbs for new LEDs.
Related Idioms
- To switch off/on (mentally/emotionally): Used to describe the act of deliberately starting or stopping one's engagement.
- As a surgeon, you can't afford to switch off during an operation.
- I find it hard to switch on for early morning meetings.
Verb
- cause to stop operating by disengaging a switch
- Turn off the stereo, please
- cut the engine
- turn out the lights