Turn off Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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turn off

[təːn ɒf ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

action

To cause to stop operating by turning a knob or switch.

Synonyms

power down, shut off, switch off.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
turn off

Commonly used in everyday language to stop the operation of electrical devices or appliances manually. It can also metaphorically mean to lose interest in something.

  • Don't forget to turn off the lights before you leave.
  • His rude comments really turned me off.
switch off

Typically used in British English and can be used interchangeably with 'turn off' in many contexts. It is common in everyday speech.

  • Please switch off the TV when you're done.
  • I always switch off my phone at night.
shut off

Often used to indicate a more abrupt stopping of a device or mechanism, often in the context of safety or emergency situations. It can have a slightly negative connotation if indicating urgency or abruptness.

  • He had to shut off the gas valve to prevent a leak.
  • The alarm shut off after we reset the system.
power down

Usually used in technical or formal settings, especially related to computers or electronic systems, to denote the process of safely shutting down. Implies a controlled and complete shutdown.

  • Make sure to save all your files before you power down the computer.
  • The engineers need to power down the system for maintenance.

Examples of usage

  • Turn off the lights before leaving the room.
  • Don't forget to turn off your phone during the movie.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'turn off'

The term 'turn off' originated in the 16th century, combining the verb 'turn' with the preposition 'off' to indicate the action of switching something off. It has since become a widely used phrasal verb in English, especially in the context of technology and electricity.