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

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

But after three weeks, specific genes inside these so-called "stem cells" switch on, passing along instructions on how to specialise and clump together to form the various bits of the body.

From BBC

Once Clipper approaches Europa in 2030 it will switch on its engines again to carefully manoeuvre itself into the right orbit.

From BBC

It’s still at least seven years before it will be switched on.

From BBC

Related Words

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