1 A2 neutral
To stop a device, machine, or supply from operating by using a switch, button, or valve.
"Don't forget to turn off the lights when you leave the room."
separable
turn off
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To stop a device or supply by using a switch or tap; to cause someone to lose interest or attraction; to leave a road by turning.
In plain English
To stop something electrical or mechanical from working, to make someone lose interest, or to leave a main road.
What does "turn off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To cause someone to lose interest, enthusiasm, or sexual attraction.
"His arrogant attitude really turned her off."
separable
3 A2 neutral
To leave one road by turning onto another; to exit a main route.
"Turn off the motorway at junction 14 and head towards the town centre."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rotate a switch or valve to the closed/off position.
Actually means
To stop something electrical or mechanical from working, to make someone lose interest, or to leave a main road.
Usage tip
The device-stopping sense is one of the most common phrasal verbs in English. The 'loss of interest/attraction' sense ('that turns me off') is widely used in informal speech. The road sense is also common in driving directions.
Words that pair with "turn off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
light TV tap engine heating motorway
How to conjugate "turn off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
turn off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
turns off
he/she/it
Past simple
turned off
yesterday
Past participle
turned off
have + pp
-ing form
turning off
continuous
Hear "turn off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "turn off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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