turn on

verb

1. cause to operate by flipping a switch (Freq. 12)

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switch on the light

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turn on the stereo

• Syn: ↑switch on

• Ant: ↑switch off (for: ↑switch on)

• Hypernyms: ↑throw, ↑flip, ↑switch

• Verb Frames:

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Somebody ——s something

2. be contingent on (Freq. 2)

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The outcomes rides on the results of the election

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Your grade will depends on your homework

• Syn: ↑depend on, ↑devolve on, ↑depend upon, ↑ride, ↑hinge on, ↑hinge upon

• Hyponyms: ↑repose on, ↑rest on, ↑build on, ↑build upon

• Verb Frames:

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Something ——s somebody

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Something ——s something

3. produce suddenly or automatically (Freq. 1)

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Turn on the charm

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turn on the waterworks

• Hypernyms: ↑produce, ↑bring forth

• Verb Frames:

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Somebody ——s something

4. become hostile towards (Freq. 1)

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The dog suddenly turned on the mailman

• Hypernyms: ↑change

• Verb Frames:

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Something is ——ing PP

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Somebody ——s PP

5. get high, stoned, or drugged

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He trips every weekend

• Syn: ↑trip, ↑trip out, ↑get off

• Derivationally related forms: ↑trip (for: ↑trip)

• Verb Frames:

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Somebody ——s

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Somebody ——s on something

6. stimulate sexually

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This movie usually arouses the male audience

• Syn: ↑arouse, ↑sex, ↑excite, ↑wind up

• Derivationally related forms: ↑turn-on, ↑sex (for: ↑sex)

• Hypernyms: ↑stimulate, ↑shake, ↑shake up, ↑excite, ↑stir

• Hyponyms: ↑tempt

• Verb Frames:

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Somebody ——s somebody

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Something ——s somebody

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The performance is likely to turn on Sue

7. cause to be agitated, excited, or roused

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The speaker charged up the crowd with his inflammatory remarks

• Syn: ↑agitate, ↑rouse, ↑charge, ↑commove, ↑excite, ↑charge up

• Ant: ↑calm (for: ↑agitate)

• Derivationally related forms: ↑excitant (for: ↑excite), ↑excitement (for: ↑excite), ↑charge (for: ↑charge), ↑turn-on, ↑rousing (for: ↑rouse), ↑agitative (for: ↑agitate)

• Hypernyms: ↑disturb, ↑upset, ↑trouble

• Hyponyms: ↑hype up, ↑psych up, ↑bother, ↑pother, ↑electrify

• Verb Frames:

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Somebody ——s somebody

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Something ——s somebody

* * *

1) suddenly attack (someone) physically or verbally

he turned on her with cold savagery

2) have as the main topic or point of interest

for most businessmen, the central questions will turn on taxation

* * *

turn on [phrasal verb]

1 turn on (something) or turn (something) on : to cause (something) to work or flow by pressing a button, moving a switch, etc.

She turned on the lights/computer/radio/water.

We turned on the heat in the house.

— often used figuratively

He really knows how to turn on the charm. [=knows how to be charming]

She turned the tears on [=she started crying] to get their sympathy.

2 turn (someone) on or turn on (someone) informal : to cause (someone) to feel excitement or enjoyment : to be appealing to (someone)

What kind of music turns you on?

— see also ↑turn-on

3 turn (someone) on to (something) : to cause (someone) to use or become interested in (something) for the first time

She turned him on to water-skiing.

He was turned on to cocaine by an acquaintance.

4 turn on (someone or something) : to attack or criticize (someone or something) in a sudden or unexpected way

The dog suddenly turned on its owner.

The rock star's fans began to turn on him.

5 turn on/upon (something)

5 a : to be determined or decided by (something)

The outcome of the election turns on [=depends on] how well the candidates perform in the next debate.

5 b : to have (something) as a main subject or interest

The discussion turned on the question of how the money should be spent.

6 turn (something) on (someone or something) : to use (something, such as a weapon) to harm, stop, or kill (someone or something)

Fire hoses were turned on the protesters.

He killed three people before turning the gun on himself. [=before shooting himself]

• • •

Main Entry: ↑turn