1 A2 neutral
To stop a machine, light, or electronic device from operating by using a switch.
"Could you switch off the kitchen light when you leave?"
separable
switch off
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To stop a device, light, or machine from operating by pressing or flipping a switch, or to stop paying attention and mentally disengage.
In plain English
To press a button or flip a switch to stop a machine or light, or to stop thinking and relax.
What does "switch off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To stop paying attention, relax mentally, or mentally disengage from a situation.
"After a twelve-hour shift, she just needed to switch off and watch something mindless."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To cause someone to lose interest or feel repelled by something.
"His constant negativity really switched me off — I stopped wanting to spend time with him."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move a switch into the off position — physically flipping a mechanism to stop electricity flowing.
Actually means
To press a button or flip a switch to stop a machine or light, or to stop thinking and relax.
Usage tip
One of the most common and basic phrasal verbs. The figurative sense (mentally disengaging) is very common in informal British English. Both senses are used worldwide in everyday conversation.
Words that pair with "switch off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
light TV phone alarm brain engine
How to conjugate "switch off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
switch off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
switches off
he/she/it
Past simple
switched off
yesterday
Past participle
switched off
have + pp
-ing form
switching off
continuous
Hear "switch off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "switch off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "switch off"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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