switch

• Nom désignant un dispositif permettant d'ouvrir ou de fermer un circuit électrique, ou le passage d'un état, d'une option ou d'une situation à une autre.

A noun referring to a device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit, or a change from one thing to another.

1. Device for turning on/offA1formal

   A small device that controls the flow of electricity to a light, appliance, or machine.

   Interrupteur

   • Please turn off the light switch before leaving.
   • The switch on the wall controls the ceiling fan.
   • He flipped the switch to start the engine.

   Synonymesbuttoncontrolpush buttontoggle

2. Change or exchangeB1formal

   An act of changing from one thing to another, or a substitution.

   changement, échange

   • We made a switch from gas to electric heating.
   • The team decided on a switch in strategy.
   • A switch in suppliers saved the company money.

   Synonymeschangeexchangereversalshiftsubstitutionswap

3. Railroad track deviceB2formal

   A device used to move a train from one track to another.

   Aiguillage ferroviaire

   • The conductor pulled the lever to operate the switch.
   • The train derailed due to a faulty switch.
   • Switches are essential for directing trains on the railway.

   Synonymesturnout

• Verbe utilisé pour indiquer l'action de passer d'un état ou d'une chose à un autre, ou pour allumer ou éteindre quelque chose.

A verb used to indicate the act of changing from one thing to another, or to turn something on or off.

1. Change or exchangeA2formal

   To change from one thing to another, or to exchange something for something else.

   changer/échanger

   • She switched her major from biology to chemistry.
   • Can we switch seats? I want to sit by the window.
   • He switched his phone for a newer model.

   Synonymeschangeconvertexchangereplaceshiftsubstituteswaptrade

2. Turn on or offA1formal

   To operate a switch to start or stop the flow of electricity or power.

   Allumer ou éteindre (un appareil)

   • Please switch off the lights when you leave.
   • He switched on the television to watch the news.
   • The machine switches off automatically after use.

   Synonymesflickfliptoggle

   Antonymescontinuekeepmaintainpreserve

3. Change direction or focusB1informal

   To change one's attention, focus, or direction.

   changer de direction ou de sujet

   • The conversation suddenly switched to politics.
   • She switched her focus from work to her hobbies.
   • The driver switched lanes without signaling.

   Synonymesalterchangeredirectreorientshiftswingturnveer

   Antonymescontinuepersistremainstay

Variantes phrasalswitch offswitch onswitch over