switch (sw ch)n. 1. A slender flexible rod, stick, or twig, especially one used for whipping. 2. The bushy tip of the tail of certain animals: a cow's switch. 3. A thick strand of real or synthetic hair used as part of a coiffure. 4. A flailing or lashing, as with a slender rod. 5. A device used to break or open an electric circuit or to divert current from one conductor to another. 6. A device consisting of two sections of railroad track and accompanying apparatus used to transfer rolling stock from one track to another. 7. a. The act or process of operating a switching device. b. The result achieved by such an act. 8. An exchange or a swap, especially one done secretly. 9. A transference or shift, as of opinion or attention. v. switched, switch·ing, switch·es v.tr. 1. Chiefly Southern U.S. To whip with or as if with a switch, especially in punishing a child. 2. To jerk or swish abruptly or sharply: a cat switching its tail. 3. To shift, transfer, or divert: switched the conversation to a lighter subject. 4. To exchange: asked her brother to switch seats with her. 5. To connect, disconnect, or divert (an electric current) by operating a switch. 6. To cause (an electric current or appliance) to begin or cease operation: switched the lights on and off. 7. Informal To produce as if by operating a control. Often used with on: switched on the charm. 8. To move (rolling stock) from one track to another; shunt. v.intr. Phrasal Verb: 1. To make or undergo a shift or an exchange: The office has switched to shorter summer hours. 2. To swish sharply from side to side. switch off Informal To stop paying attention; lose interest. [Probably of Low German or Flemish origin.] switch  a·ble adj.switch er n. |
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