Switch on

verb

To make a device or system work by pressing a button or moving a switch.

Please switch on the lights when you enter the room.
Visual representation of "switch on" - to make a device or system work by pressing a button or moving a switch

Often appears as...

  • switch on the light
  • switch on the radio
verb

To begin paying attention to something.

My brain doesn’t really switch on until I’ve had my first cup of coffee in the morning.
Visual representation of "switch on" - to begin paying attention to something

Often appears as...

  • switch on your brain
  • switch on your attention

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb

To provoke a reaction in, especially a strong or sudden one.

Fear can switch on our body's physical response to danger.
Visual representation of "switch on" - to provoke a reaction in, especially a strong or sudden one

Often appears as...

  • switch on a reaction
  • switch on our body's response

Usage tips

Academic

verb

To make a device or system work by pressing a button or moving a switch.

Please switch on the lights when you enter the room.
Visual representation of "switch on" - to make a device or system work by pressing a button or moving a switch

Often appears as...

  • switch on the light
  • switch on the radio
verb

To begin paying attention to something.

My brain doesn’t really switch on until I’ve had my first cup of coffee in the morning.
Visual representation of "switch on" - to begin paying attention to something

Often appears as...

  • switch on your brain
  • switch on your attention

Usage tips

Colloquial

verb

To provoke a reaction in, especially a strong or sudden one.

Fear can switch on our body's physical response to danger.
Visual representation of "switch on" - to provoke a reaction in, especially a strong or sudden one

Often appears as...

  • switch on a reaction
  • switch on our body's response

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "switch on"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Literal Action

Used to describe the actual action of activating a device manually.

Illustration for Literal Action
Please switch on the heater; it's chilly in here.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Common Devices

Often used with everyday devices such as lights and electronics.

Illustration for Common Devices
I just switched on the coffee machine.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Initial Step

Implies the first step to making something operational.

Illustration for Initial Step
Remember to switch on the power supply before use.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Literal Action

Used to describe the actual action of activating a device manually.

Illustration for Literal Action
Please switch on the heater; it's chilly in here.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Common Devices

Often used with everyday devices such as lights and electronics.

Illustration for Common Devices
I just switched on the coffee machine.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Initial Step

Implies the first step to making something operational.

Illustration for Initial Step
Remember to switch on the power supply before use.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Literal Action

Used to describe the actual action of activating a device manually.

Illustration for Literal Action
Please switch on the heater; it's chilly in here.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Common Devices

Often used with everyday devices such as lights and electronics.

Illustration for Common Devices
I just switched on the coffee machine.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Initial Step

Implies the first step to making something operational.

Illustration for Initial Step
Remember to switch on the power supply before use.
Visual representation of the word "Switch on"

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