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turn off

A2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To stop something electrical or mechanical from working, to make someone lose interest, or to leave a main road.

Literal meaning: To rotate a switch or valve to the closed/off position.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To cause someone to lose interest, enthusiasm, or sexual attraction.

"His arrogant attitude really turned her off."

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

light TV tap engine heating motorway

Forms

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

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Synonyms

cut off deactivate kill power down shut off switch off

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