Switch - Definition

n 1: 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]
2: 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]
3: hairpiece consisting of a tress of false hair; used by women
to give shape to a coiffure
4: railroad track having two movable rails and necessary
connections; used to turn a train from one track to another
or to store rolling stock
5: a flexible implement used as an instrument of punishment
6: a basketball maneuver; two defensive players shift
assignments so that each guards the player usually guarded by
the other
7: the act of changing one thing or position for another; "his
switch on abortion cost him the election" [syn: switch,
switching, shift]
v 1: change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence
[syn: switch over, switch, exchange]
2: exchange or give (something) in exchange for [syn: trade,
swap, swop, switch]
3: 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]
4: make a shift in or exchange of; "First Joe led; then we
switched" [syn: switch, change over, shift]
5: cause to go on or to be engaged or set in operation; "switch
on the light"; "throw the lever" [syn: throw, flip,
switch]
6: flog with or as if with a flexible rod
7: reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action) [syn:
interchange, tack, switch, alternate, flip, flip-
flop]