English dictionary



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English noun: switch

1. switch (artifact) control consisting of a mechanical or electrical or electronic device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit


Synonymselectric switch, electrical switch


Broader (hypernym)control, controller


Narrower (hyponym)button, commutator, cutout, ignition switch, on-off switch, on/off switch, push, push button, selector, selector switch, three-point switch, three-way switch, time-switch, toggle, toggle switch

2. switch (event) an event in which one thing is substituted for another


SamplesThe replacement of lost blood by a transfusion of donor blood.


Synonymspermutation, replacement, substitution, transposition


Broader (hypernym)fluctuation, variation

3. switch (artifact) hairpiece consisting of a tress of false hair; used by women to give shape to a coiffure


Broader (hypernym)false hair, hairpiece, postiche

4. switch (artifact) railroad track having two movable rails and necessary connections; used to turn a train from one track to another or to store rolling stock


Broader (hypernym)railroad, railroad track, railway

5. switch (artifact) a flexible implement used as an instrument of punishment


Broader (hypernym)instrument of punishment


Narrower (hyponym)birch, birch rod, cane, ferule, ratan, rattan

6. switch (act) a basketball maneuver; two defensive players shift assignments so that each guards the player usually guarded by the other


Broader (hypernym)basketball play

7. switch (act) the act of changing one thing or position for another


SamplesHis switch on abortion cost him the election.


Synonymsshift, switching


Broader (hypernym)change


Narrower (hyponym)switcheroo


English verb: switch

1. switch (change) change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence


Synonymsexchange, switch over


Pattern of useSomebody ----s.
Somebody ----s something PP.
Somebody ----s PP


Broader (hypernym)change by reversal, reverse, turn

2. switch (possession) exchange or give (something) in exchange for


Synonymsswap, swop, trade


Pattern of useSomebody ----s.
Somebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s something PP


Broader (hypernym)change, exchange, interchange

3. switch (change) lay aside, abandon, or leave for another


SamplesSwitch to a different brand of beer.
She switched psychiatrists.
The car changed lanes.


Synonymschange, shift


Pattern of useSomebody ----s.
Somebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody


Narrower (hyponym)break, break, channel-surf, cut, diphthongise, diphthongize, jump, leap, shift, surf, transition


Verb groupchange, change, commute, convert, exchange

4. switch (change) make a shift in or exchange of


SamplesFirst Joe led; then we switched.


Synonymschange over, shift


Pattern of useSomething ----s.
Somebody ----s.
Somebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Broader (hypernym)alter, change, modify


Narrower (hyponym)back, veer

5. switch (contact) cause to go on or to be engaged or set in operation


SamplesSwitch on the light.
Throw the lever.


Synonymsflip, throw


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)engage, lock, mesh, operate


Narrower (hyponym)cut, switch off, switch on, turn off, turn on, turn out

6. switch (contact) flog with or as if with a flexible rod


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)flog, lash, lather, slash, strap, trounce, welt, whip

7. switch (change) reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action)


Synonymsalternate, flip, flip-flop, interchange, tack


Pattern of useSomething ----s.
Somebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)change by reversal, reverse, turn









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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