Turn on
verb
To make a device or system start working by pushing a switch, button etc.
She turned on the TV to watch the news.
Often appears as...
- turn on the light
- turn on the radio
verb
To make someone sexual excited or attracted.
He's so tall and charming, it really turns me on!
Often appears as...
- turns me on
- turns you on
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To attack or criticize someone suddenly or unexpectedly.
He suddenly turned on his friends, blaming them for his problems.
Often appears as...
- turn on someone
- turn on him
verb
To depend on.
The whole game turned on a single move.
Often appears as...
- turns on a decision
- turns on an event
verb
To direct your attention or efforts towards something.
She turned on her charm to get what she wanted.
Often appears as...
- turn on the charm
- turn on the heat
verb
To make a device or system start working by pushing a switch, button etc.
She turned on the TV to watch the news.
Often appears as...
- turn on the light
- turn on the radio
verb
To make someone sexual excited or attracted.
He's so tall and charming, it really turns me on!
Often appears as...
- turns me on
- turns you on
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To attack or criticize someone suddenly or unexpectedly.
He suddenly turned on his friends, blaming them for his problems.
Often appears as...
- turn on someone
- turn on him
verb
To depend on.
The whole game turned on a single move.
Often appears as...
- turns on a decision
- turns on an event
verb
To direct your attention or efforts towards something.
She turned on her charm to get what she wanted.
Often appears as...
- turn on the charm
- turn on the heat
Definition 1 of 5
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Action
Often involves physically interacting with a device or switch.
Can you turn on the fan? It's hot in here.
Pro Tip 2/3Common Places
Used in homes, workplaces and places with electronic devices.
Please turn on the lights when you enter the room.
Pro Tip 3/3Start of Action
Indicates the beginning of an action or operation.
You need to turn on the machine to start printing.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Action
Often involves physically interacting with a device or switch.
Can you turn on the fan? It's hot in here.
Pro Tip 2/3Common Places
Used in homes, workplaces and places with electronic devices.
Please turn on the lights when you enter the room.
Pro Tip 3/3Start of Action
Indicates the beginning of an action or operation.
You need to turn on the machine to start printing.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Action
Often involves physically interacting with a device or switch.
Can you turn on the fan? It's hot in here.
Pro Tip 2/3Common Places
Used in homes, workplaces and places with electronic devices.
Please turn on the lights when you enter the room.
Pro Tip 3/3Start of Action
Indicates the beginning of an action or operation.
You need to turn on the machine to start printing.
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