switch

[ swich ]
/ swɪtʃ /

noun

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

Idioms for switch

    asleep at the switch, Informal. failing to perform one's duty, missing an opportunity, etc., because of negligence or inattention: He lost the contract because he was asleep at the switch.

Origin of switch

1585–95; earlier swits, switz slender riding whip, flexible stick; compare Low German (Hanoverian) schwutsche long, thin stick

OTHER WORDS FROM switch

Definition for switch off (2 of 2)

switch-off
[ swich-awf, -of ]
/ ˈswɪtʃˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun

the act or process of switching off a power supply, light source, appliance, etc.

Origin of switch-off

noun use of verb phrase switch off

British Dictionary definitions for switch off (1 of 2)

switch off

verb (adverb)

to cause (a device) to stop operating by or as if by moving a switch, knob, or lever; turn off
informal to cease to interest or be interested; make or become bored, alienated, etc

British Dictionary definitions for switch off (2 of 2)

switch
/ (swɪtʃ) /

noun

verb

See also switch off, switch on

Derived forms of switch

switcher, noun switchlike, adjective

Word Origin for switch

C16: perhaps from Middle Dutch swijch branch, twig

Idioms and Phrases with switch off (1 of 2)

switch off

Stop paying attention, lose interest, as in Whenever he starts in on economics, I switch off automatically. This metaphoric expression transfers turning off a light switch or similar device to diverting one's attention. [c. 1860] Also see switch on.

Idioms and Phrases with switch off (2 of 2)

switch