—n.
1 a device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit.
2 a a transfer, change-over, or deviation. b an exchange.
3 a slender flexible shoot cut from a tree.
4 a light tapering rod.
5 US a device at the junction of railway tracks for transferring a train from one track to another; = POINT n. 17.
6 a tress of false or detached hair tied at one end used in hairdressing.
—v.
1 tr. (foll. by on, off) turn (an electrical device) on or off.
2 intr. change or transfer position, subject, etc.
3 tr. change or transfer.
4 tr. reverse the positions of; exchange (switched chairs).
5 tr. swing or snatch (a thing) suddenly (switched it out of my hand).
6 tr. beat or flick with a switch.
Phrases and idioms:
switch-blade a pocket knife with the blade released by a spring. switched-on colloq.
1 up to date; aware of what is going on.
2 excited; under the influence of drugs. switch off colloq. cease to pay attention. switch over change or exchange. switch-over n. a change or exchange.
Derivatives:
switcher n.
Etymology: earlier swits, switz, prob. f. LG
Useful english dictionary. 2012.