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Switch: meaning, definitions and examples

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switch

 

[ swɪtʃ ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

electrical

A device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit.

Synonyms

button, lever, toggle

Examples of usage

  • He flicked the switch to turn on the lights.
  • Make sure the switch is in the off position before working on the circuit.
Context #2 | Verb

change

To change the position or direction of something quickly or suddenly.

Synonyms

change, exchange, shift

Examples of usage

  • She decided to switch careers and become a teacher.
  • Can you switch the channel to the news?

Translations

Translations of the word "switch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 interruptor

🇮🇳 स्विच (स्विच)

🇩🇪 Schalter

🇮🇩 saklar

🇺🇦 вимикач

🇵🇱 przełącznik

🇯🇵 スイッチ (suitchi)

🇫🇷 interrupteur

🇪🇸 interruptor

🇹🇷 anahtar

🇰🇷 스위치 (seuwichi)

🇸🇦 مفتاح كهربائي

🇨🇿 spínač

🇸🇰 spínač

🇨🇳 开关 (kāiguān)

🇸🇮 stikalo

🇮🇸 rofi

🇰🇿 ауысқыш

🇬🇪 გადამრთველი

🇦🇿 dəyişdirici

🇲🇽 interruptor

Etymology

The word 'switch' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the Middle English word 'swich', which means a movable barrier or section used to close off an opening. It has evolved over time to represent the act of changing or shifting something quickly. The term has been widely used in both electrical and general contexts, reflecting its versatility and importance in modern language.

See also: switchability, switchable, switching.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,530, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.