◙ noun 1. a device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit • 开关 »the guard hit a switch and the gate swung open. 守卫按了一下开关，大门就打开了。 [Computing] a program variable which activates or deactivates a certain function of a program • [计算机] 切换 2. an act of adopting one policy or way of life, or choosing one type of item, in place of another; a change, especially a radical one • （政策，生活方式，挑选物品类型的）转变（尤指根本的改变） »his friends were surprised at his switch from newspaper owner to farmer. 他的朋友对他由一个报纸业主转而成为农民感到吃惊。 3. a slender flexible shoot cut from a tree • （树上砍下的）细软枝条 4. [N. Amer.] a set of points on a railway track • [北美] （铁道的）道岔 5. a tress of false or detached hair tied at one end, used in hairdressing to supplement natural hair • 假发 ◙ verb, [with obj.] 1. change the position, direction, or focus of • 改变（立场，方向，重点） »the company switched the boats to other routes. 该公司改变了船的航线。 adopt (something different) in place of something else;change • 改变，转变 »she's managed to switch careers. 她设法变换了职业。 [no obj.] adopt a new policy, position, way of life, etc • 转换（新政策，立场，生活方式等） »she worked as a librarian and then switched to journalism. 她先是做图书管理员，然后改行到新闻界工作。 substitute (two items) for each other;exchange • 调换；交换 »after ten minutes, listener and speaker switch roles. 十分钟以后，听话者和说话者调换角色。 2. (archaic)beat or flick with or as if with a switch • [古] 击打；轻弹
【派生】
♦ switchable adjective
【语源】
1. late 16th cent. (denoting a thin tapering riding whip): probably from Low German
【PHR V】
◘ switch something off 1. turn off an electrical device • 关上电器 (switch off)[informal] cease to pay attention • [非正式] 不再注意 »as he waffles on, I switch off. 当他开始絮叨时，我就不再听了。 ◘ switch something on 1. turn on an electrical device • 打开电器