Dictionary entries for 'switch'

Synonyms

switch (swĭch)

[Probably of Low German or Flemish origin.]

noun

A slender flexible rod, stick, or twig, especially one used for whipping.
The bushy tip of the tail of certain animals: a cow's switch.
A thick strand of real or synthetic hair used as part of a coiffure.
A flailing or lashing, as with a slender rod.
A device used to break or open an electric circuit or to divert current from one conductor to another.
A device consisting of two sections of railroad track and accompanying apparatus used to transfer rolling stock from one track to another.
1. The act or process of operating a switching device.
2. The result achieved by such an act.
An exchange or a swap, especially one done secretly.
A transference or shift, as of opinion or attention.

Chiefly Southern U.S. To whip with or as if with a switch, especially in punishing a child.
To jerk or swish abruptly or sharply: a cat switching its tail.
To shift, transfer, or divert: switched the conversation to a lighter subject.
To exchange: asked her brother to switch seats with her.
To connect, disconnect, or divert (an electric current) by operating a switch.
To cause (an electric current or appliance) to begin or cease operation: switched the lights on and off.
Informal To produce as if by operating a control. Often used with on : switched on the charm.
To move (rolling stock) from one track to another; shunt.

To make or undergo a shift or an exchange: The office has switched to shorter summer hours.
To swish sharply from side to side.