switch off

To stop a light or machine working by using its power control.

• Please switch off the light.
• She switched the oven off after cooking.
• Have you switched off your phone?

How to use it: switch something off (Please switch the radio off before bed.)

Similar words: turn off

Opposites: switch on

Common phrases: switch off lights, switch off something

To stop paying attention because you are bored or uninterested.

• I switch off during long speeches.
• Half the class switched off after ten minutes.
• When he started discussing figures, she switched off.

Similar words: tune out, stop listening

Common phrases: switch off mentally, switch off completely

To take turns or move repeatedly between two activities or things.

• We switch off doing the dishes.
• The two nurses switched off watching the patient.
• They switch off between answering calls and greeting visitors.

How to use it: switch off between A and B (We switch off between cooking and washing up.); switch off doing something (They switch off driving during long journeys.)

Similar words: alternate, take turns

Common phrases: switch off regularly, switch off driving