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

1. cause to stop operating by disengaging a switch
   • Turn off the stereo, please
   • cut the engine
   • turn out the lights