Noun

1. A device to turn electric current on and off or direct its flow.
2. A movable section of railroad track which allows the train to be directed down one of two destination tracks; point.
3. A slender woody plant stem used as a whip.
4. A command line notation allowing specification of optional behavior.
5. A networking device connecting multiple wires, allowing them to communicate simultaneously, when possible. Compare to the less efficient hub device that solely duplicates network packets to each wire.
6. A system of specialized relays, computer hardware, or other equipment which allows the interconnection of a calling party's telephone line with any called party's line.
7. One who is willing to take either a sadistic or a masochistic role.

Synonyms

• (section of railroad track): (UK) points
• (whip): crop
• (Computer Science): flag, option, specifier

Verb

1. To exchange.

   I want to switch this red dress for a green one.

2. To change (something) to the specified state using a switch.

   Switch the light on.

3. To whip or hit with a switch.
4. To change places, tasks, etc.

   I want to switch to a different seat.

5. To get angry suddenly; to quickly or unreasonably become enraged.

Related terms

• asleep at the switch
• dipswitch
• switchback
• switchblade
• switchboard