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

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

What did Jesse Minter think when he turned on the tape to see that kind of performance?

From Los Angeles Times

For reasons of “history” and professional responsibility, I decided to turn on the TV to confirm my worries in real time.

From Salon

He has said the resource is “horribly mismanaged” in California and has promised to turn on a massive “faucet” for farmers and cities — partly by weakening environmental protections for such species as the Delta smelt.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• activate
• log on
• put on
• switch on