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Synonyms

switch-on

American  
[swich-on, -awn] / ˈswɪtʃˌɒn, -ˌɔn /

noun

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

switch on British  

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
switch on Idioms  

  1. 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.

Etymology

Origin of switch-on

Noun use of verb phrase switch on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The council said Christmas switch-on events would take place in Halesowen on 15 November, in Brierley Hill and Stourbridge on 22 November, in Sedgley on 23 November and in Dudley on 6 December.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2025

Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson said the big switch-on was "an opportunity to show that hate will never win in our communities".

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2024

The stage was set in Market Square for the Christmas lights switch-on, an event that draws thousands for music, merriment and a night of festive shopping.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2023

The switch-on event is part of a programme of free entertainment which will start with a float parade.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2023

Pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor will perform at this year's Blackpool Illuminations switch-on concert, organisers have announced.

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2023

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.