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 | ||
Synonyms | electric 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 | ||
Samples | The replacement of lost blood by a transfusion of donor blood. | ||
Synonyms | permutation, 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 | ||
Samples | His switch on abortion cost him the election. | ||
Synonyms | shift, switching | ||
Broader (hypernym) | change | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | switcheroo | ||
English verb: switch | |||
1. | switch (change) change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence | ||
Synonyms | exchange, switch over | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----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 | ||
Synonyms | swap, swop, trade | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s. Somebody ----s something. Somebody ----s something PP | ||
Broader (hypernym) | change, exchange, interchange | ||
3. | switch (change) lay aside, abandon, or leave for another | ||
Samples | Switch to a different brand of beer. She switched psychiatrists. The car changed lanes. | ||
Synonyms | change, shift | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s. Somebody ----s something. Somebody ----s somebody | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | break, break, channel-surf, cut, diphthongise, diphthongize, jump, leap, shift, surf, transition | ||
Verb group | change, change, commute, convert, exchange | ||
4. | switch (change) make a shift in or exchange of | ||
Samples | First Joe led; then we switched. | ||
Synonyms | change over, shift | ||
Pattern of use | Something ----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 | ||
Samples | Switch on the light. Throw the lever. | ||
Synonyms | flip, throw | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----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 use | Somebody ----s somebody | ||
Broader (hypernym) | flog, lash, lather, slash, strap, trounce, welt, whip | ||
7. | switch (change) reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action) | ||
Synonyms | alternate, flip, flip-flop, interchange, tack | ||
Pattern of use | Something ----s. Somebody ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | change by reversal, reverse, turn | ||