turn on

verb

1. tr, adverb to cause (something) to operate by turning a knob, etc

   to turn on the light

2. intr, preposition to depend or hinge on

   the success of the party turns on you

3. preposition to change or cause to change one's attitude so as to become hostile or to retaliate

   the dog turned on the children

4. informal.
   tr, adverb to produce (charm, tears, etc) suddenly or automatically
5. informal.
   tr, preposition,foll byto to interest (someone) in something

   how to turn kids on to drama

6. slang.
   tr, adverb to arouse emotionally or sexually
7. slang.
   intr, adverb to take or become intoxicated by drugs
8. slang.
   tr, adverb to introduce (someone) to drugs

noun

1. slang.
   a person or thing that causes emotional or sexual arousal

Example Sentences

"Rather, the difference is on a regulatory level, which could make it easier for us in the long run to turn on more efficient C4 photosynthesis in C3 crops."

From Science Daily

Located on a cell's surface, this protein-based sensor recognizes an external signal that triggers the cell to respond -- usually by turning on a user-defined gene.

From Science Daily

Then, the robbers would suddenly turn on their victims, brandishing a handgun, threatening them with physical force and demanding they get in the car, police said.

From Los Angeles Times

There's only one thing worse than an abusive boss -- and that's a boss who thinks they can make up for their bad behavior by turning on the charm the following day.

From Science Daily

This was accompanied by heightened neuronal responsiveness to cues associated with rewards like a light turning on to indicate that food or an opioid drug was available.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• activate
• log on
• put on
• switch on