Phrasal verb
turn off
Meanings
To switch a device, light, or machine off so it stops operating.
To cause someone to lose interest or feel dislike because something is unpleasant or annoying.
To leave a road or path by turning onto another one.
Definition
To turn off means to stop a device, light, or machine from operating.
To turn off something is to make it stop working by switching it to the off position. It is commonly used for lights, phones, TVs, and other equipment. It can also mean to make someone lose interest or feel dislike because of something unpleasant.
Examples
- Please turn off the lights when you leave the room.
- I always turn off my phone during meetings.
- He turned off the oven and set the pan on the counter.
- Her rude comment really turned off the audience.
- They turned off the highway to reach the lake road.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "turn off" (stop a device) with "turn down" (reduce volume or refuse).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.