'Switch' definitions:

Definition of 'switch'

(from WordNet)
noun
Control consisting of a mechanical or electrical or electronic device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit [syn: switch, electric switch, electrical switch]
noun
An event in which one thing is substituted for another; "the replacement of lost blood by a transfusion of donor blood" [syn: substitution, permutation, transposition, replacement, switch]
noun
Hairpiece consisting of a tress of false hair; used by women to give shape to a coiffure
noun
Railroad track having two movable rails and necessary connections; used to turn a train from one track to another or to store rolling stock
noun
A flexible implement used as an instrument of punishment
noun
A basketball maneuver; two defensive players shift assignments so that each guards the player usually guarded by the other
noun
The act of changing one thing or position for another; "his switch on abortion cost him the election" [syn: switch, switching, shift]
verb
Change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence [syn: switch over, switch, exchange]
verb
Exchange or give (something) in exchange for [syn: trade, swap, swop, switch]
verb
Lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; "switch to a different brand of beer"; "She switched psychiatrists"; "The car changed lanes" [syn: switch, shift, change]
verb
Make a shift in or exchange of; "First Joe led; then we switched" [syn: switch, change over, shift]
verb
Cause to go on or to be engaged or set in operation; "switch on the light"; "throw the lever" [syn: throw, flip, switch]
verb
Flog with or as if with a flexible rod
verb
Reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action) [syn: interchange, tack, switch, alternate, flip, flip- flop]

Definition of 'Switch'

From: GCIDE
  • Switch \Switch\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Switched; p. pr. & vb. n. Switching.]
  • 1. To strike with a switch or small flexible rod; to whip. --Chapman. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To swing or whisk; as, to switch a cane. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To trim, as, a hedge. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; -- generally with off, from, etc.; as, to switch off a train; to switch a car from one track to another. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. (Eccl.) To shift to another circuit. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Switch'

From: GCIDE
  • Switch \Switch\, n. [Cf. OD. swick a scourage, a whip. Cf. Swink, Swing.]
  • 1. A small, flexible twig or rod. [1913 Webster]
  • Mauritania, on the fifth medal, leads a horse with something like a thread; in her other hand she holds a switch. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Railways) A movable part of a rail; or of opposite rails, for transferring cars from one track to another. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A separate mass or trees of hair, or of some substance (at jute) made to resemble hair, worn on the head by women. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Elec.) A device for shifting an electric current to another circuit, or for making and breaking a circuit. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  • Safety switch (Railways), a form of switch contrived to prevent or lessen the danger of derailment of trains.
  • Switch back (Railways), an arrangement of tracks whereby elevations otherwise insurmountable are passed. The track ascends by a series of zigzags, the engine running alternately forward and back, until the summit is reached.
  • Switch board (Elec.), a collection of switches in one piece of apparatus, so arranged that a number of circuits may be connected or combined in any desired manner.
  • Switch grass. (Bot.) See under Grass. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Switch'

From: GCIDE
  • Switch \Switch\, v. i. To walk with a jerk. [Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'switch'

From: Moby Thesaurus