verb

switched

switched, changed, exchanged

He switched the TV channel.

He switched the TV channel.

Can we switch seats?

Can we switch seats?

She switched on the light.

She switched on the light.

((sth.)) to change sth. He switched the TV channel.

((sth.)) ((with sb.)) to exchange sth. with sb. Can we switch seats?

((on/off)) ((sth.)) to turn sth. on or off. She switched on the light.

Synonyms: change, exchange, substitute; Antonyms: remain, stay

From Middle Dutch 'swijch' meaning 'twig, switch'. The verb sense of changing or turning on/off developed from the noun for a flexible stick.

Picture flicking a light switch to 'switch' it on or off, or a train 'switching' tracks.

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