switch-on

[ swich-on, -awn ]

noun

1. the act or process of switching on an ignition, light, appliance, etc.

switch on

verb

1. to cause (a device) to operate by or as if by moving a switch, knob, or lever; turn on
2. informal.
   tr to produce (charm, tears, etc) suddenly or automatically
3. informal.
   tr (now slightly dated) to make up-to-date, esp regarding outlook, dress, etc
4. slang.
   tr to arouse emotionally or sexually
5. slang.
   intr to take or become intoxicated by drugs
6. slang.
   tr to introduce (someone) to drugs

Word History and Origins

Origin of switch-on¹

Noun use of verb phrase switch on

Idioms and Phrases

Produce as if operating by a control, as in She switched on the charm as soon as he walked in . [Mid-1900s] Also see switch off .

Example Sentences

"It is a very small theory, not a huge model of the mind, but it completely flips the switch on some phenomena we thought we understood."

From Science Daily

The tree lights will be switched on on 5 December.

From BBC

The PDAP1-deficient liver cells switched on the genes responsible for the integrated stress response, but could not produce the proteins they encode.

From Science Daily

On one snowy night, the camera in Molly's croft-house automatically switched on, alerting the couple there was a visitor inside.

From BBC

Instead the family have been asked to switch on the Christmas lights at the hospital at the end of the month.

From BBC

Related Words

• affect
• arouse
• energize
• galvanize
• inflame
• inspire
• kindle
• prompt
• provoke
• raise
• rouse
• spark
• spur
• touch
• trigger
• whip up