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switch1 S2 W3
1 [intransitive and transitive] to change from doing or using one thing to doing or using another
switch sides/allegiance (=start supporting a different person, party etc) He switched sides just days before the election.
He switched sides just days before the election.2 [transitive] to replace one thing with another, or exchange things [= change]
3 [intransitive and transitive] American English if you switch with someone who does the same job as you, you exchange your working times with theirs for a short time [= swap British English] He asked if we could switch shifts.
He asked if we could switch shifts.4 [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to change the way a machine operates, using a switch
switch off
phrasal verb1 to turn off a machine, light, radio etc using a switch Don't forget to switch off before you go. ➔ see usage note close1
Don't forget to switch off before you go.2 informal to stop listening to someone : He just switches off and ignores me.
He just switches off and ignores me.3 to relax for a short time : Switch off by listening to music.
Switch off by listening to music.switch on
phrasal verbswitch over
phrasal verb1 to change from one method, product etc to another
2 to change the television channel you are watching or the radio station you are listening to
switch over to Switch over to BBC 2.
Switch over to BBC 2.