turn off

Short definition: The phrase turn off means to switch something off so it stops operating, or to cause someone to lose interest or feel dislike, depending on context.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrasal verb turn off? This is a very common expression in English and it can describe both physical actions and emotional reactions. It may refer to stopping a machine or device, losing interest in something, or causing someone to feel unattracted. Because it’s used in daily conversation a lot, context makes all the difference. Below are detailed meanings with realistic examples so you can clearly understand how turn off works in everyday English.

turn off v. /ˌtɜːrn ˈɒf/

Forms: turn off, turns off, turned off, turning off
Related: switch v., shut v., disgust v., repel v.
Syllable: turn-off

  1. (Verb) To stop a machine, device, or light from operating.

    To turn off something most commonly means to switch it so that it stops working, such as a light, television, computer, or engine. It usually involves pressing a button or flipping a switch, and it is one of the most basic everyday uses of the phrase.

    Please turn off the lights before you leave the room.
    He forgot to turn off the stove after cooking dinner.
    She turned off her phone during the meeting to avoid interruptions.

    Synonyms: switch off, shut off, power down, deactivate, disconnect, stop running, cut power, close down, halt operation, disable, shut down, stop functioning
    Antonyms: turn on, switch on, activate, start up, power up, enable, connect, fire up, launch, begin operation, ignite, bring online

  2. (Verb) To cause someone to lose interest or attraction.

    Turn off can also describe something that makes a person lose interest, feel unattracted, or even slightly disgusted. It often refers to behavior, habits, attitudes, or situations that reduce excitement or attraction.

    His constant complaining really turned her off.
    Loud chewing noises completely turn me off.
    Arrogance can turn people off very quickly.

    Synonyms: repel, disgust, discourage, deter, put off, make uninterested, reduce attraction, sicken, dissuade, alienate, drive away, dampen interest
    Antonyms: attract, appeal to, interest, excite, impress, charm, engage, draw in, captivate, entice, fascinate, stimulate

  3. (Verb) To leave a main road or path.

    In some contexts, especially when talking about driving, turn off means leaving a main road by taking a different direction. It focuses on the physical act of changing routes.

    You need to turn off the highway at the next exit.
    She turned off the main road and followed a narrow street.
    We missed the sign and forgot to turn off in time.

    Synonyms: exit, branch off, veer off, leave the road, diverge, take a turn, change direction, pull off, go off route, head off, take an exit, deviate
    Antonyms: continue straight, stay on road, proceed forward, remain on route, keep going, follow main road, stay the course, drive straight ahead, stick to path, carry on, go forward, remain aligned

Conversation Using the Phrasal Verb Turn off

Preparing to leave a house for a long trip, Julian and Elena are checking the appliances. The dialogue explores turn off, which means to stop a machine or a light from working, to leave a road, or informally, to make someone lose interest.

Julian: Did you remember to turn off the iron before we packed it? I don't want to worry about it for the next two weeks while we’re away.

Elena: Yes, I made sure to turn off all the small appliances and the lights in every room before I locked the back door today.

Julian: I read that you should turn off the main water valve if you are leaving your home empty during the freezing winter months.

Elena: I noticed that his arrogant attitude really managed to turn off many of the people who were originally interested in his business idea.

Julian: If we turn off the highway at the next exit, we can find a much more scenic route through the mountains to reach the coast.

Elena: I saw a sign that told drivers to turn off their engines while waiting for the ferry to arrive to reduce pollution in the harbor.

Julian: It’s important to turn off your phone during the theater performance to ensure that the actors and the audience aren't distracted by noise.

Elena: I agree; I’m going to turn off the notifications on my tablet so I can focus on my reading without any constant interruptions from apps.

Julian: I’m glad we managed to turn off the gas stove; I always double-check it because I’m quite paranoid about safety when we travel.

Elena: Me too; once we turn off the final security alarm, we can head to the airport and start our big international adventure together.

Phrases Containing the Phrasal Verb Turn Off

The phrases below show how the phrasal verb turn off is used to talk about switching something off or causing someone to lose interest.

Turn off the lights

To switch off lighting.

Please turn off the lights before leaving the room to save electricity.

Turn off the TV

To stop television from playing.

He turned off the TV so he could concentrate on finishing his report.

Turn off the computer

To power down a device.

Make sure you turn off the computer properly after completing your work.

Turn off the engine

To stop a vehicle motor.

She turned off the engine before stepping out of the car.

Turn off the alarm

To deactivate a warning sound.

He quickly turned off the alarm before it woke everyone in the house.

Turn off the heater

To stop heating.

They turned off the heater once the room became warm enough.

Turn off the stove

To stop cooking heat.

Always turn off the stove after preparing your meal to prevent accidents.

Turn off notifications

To disable alerts.

She turned off notifications to avoid distractions while studying.

Turn off the fan

To stop air circulation.

Please turn off the fan if the room feels too cold.

Turn off the radio

To stop audio playback.

He turned off the radio to enjoy the quiet drive home.

Turn off the microphone

To mute a device.

Don’t forget to turn off the microphone after your presentation ends.

Turn off the air conditioner

To stop cooling.

They turned off the air conditioner before leaving for vacation.

Turn off the tap

To stop water flow.

Please turn off the tap tightly to avoid wasting water.

Turn off the power

To disconnect electricity.

The technician turned off the power before repairing the wiring.

Turn off the screen

To deactivate a display.

She turned off the screen to conserve battery life.

Turn off the device

To power down equipment.

He turned off the device carefully before unplugging it.

Turn off the water

To stop water supply.

The plumber turned off the water before fixing the broken pipe.

Turn off the music

To stop audio playback.

Please turn off the music so we can focus on the discussion.

Turn off the light switch

To switch lights off.

He turned off the light switch before going to bed.

Turn off the camera

To stop video recording.

She turned off the camera after finishing the online meeting.

Words Rhyme with turn off

burn off
churn off
learn off
fern off
stern off
spurn off
yearn off
concern off
return off
adjourn off
off
scoff
doff
cough
trough
soft
aloft
loft
croft
playoff
layoff
show-off
take-off
kick-off
spin-off
send-off
rip-off
cutoff
hoff
prof
POS: Verb Phrase