turn on

Short definition: The phrase turn on means to switch something so it begins operating, or to suddenly cause excitement or strong interest, depending on context.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrasal verb turn on? This is a very common expression in English and it can describe both physical actions and emotional reactions. It may refer to activating a device, becoming excited or interested, or even suddenly attacking or criticizing someone. Because it has several different uses, context is extremely important. Below are detailed meanings with realistic examples so you can clearly understand how turn on works in everyday English.

turn on v. /ˌtɜːrn ˈɒn/

Forms: turn on, turns on, turned on, turning on
Related: activate v., excite v., betray v., switch v.
Syllable: turn-on

(Verb) To start a machine, device, or system so it begins working.
To turn on something most commonly means activating it, such as a light, computer, engine, or television. It usually involves pressing a button or flipping a switch so the device begins operating.

Please turn on the lights when it gets dark.

He turned on his laptop to start working.

She forgot to turn on the air conditioner during the heatwave.

Synonyms: switch on, activate, power up, start, fire up, enable, boot up, ignite, launch, bring online, energize, set in motion
Antonyms: turn off, shut down, deactivate, power down, disable, stop, disconnect, cut power, switch off, close down, halt, shut off
(Verb) To cause someone to feel excited, interested, or attracted.
Turn on can also describe causing excitement, attraction, or strong interest. It may refer to emotional, intellectual, or physical attraction depending on context.

His confidence really turned her on.

Creative challenges turn him on because he loves solving problems.

That kind of music really turns me on.

Synonyms: excite, attract, stimulate, arouse, interest, captivate, fascinate, inspire enthusiasm, spark desire, engage deeply, energize emotionally, draw strongly
Antonyms: turn off, repel, bore, discourage, disinterest, disgust, dampen excitement, alienate, push away, frustrate, irritate, kill interest
(Verb) To suddenly attack, criticize, or betray someone.
In some contexts, turn on means suddenly attacking or criticizing someone who was previously supported. It can suggest betrayal or a dramatic change in attitude.

The crowd quickly turned on the speaker after the controversial remark.

He felt hurt when his friends turned on him during the argument.

The dog suddenly turned on its owner in fear.

Synonyms: attack, betray, lash out at, criticize harshly, rebel against, oppose suddenly, confront aggressively, backstab, turn against, strike at, denounce, challenge openly
Antonyms: support, defend, stand by, protect, back up, remain loyal, uphold, assist, stay committed, encourage, side with, remain faithful

Conversation Using the Phrasal Verb Turn on

In a smart-home showroom, Julian and Elena are testing out the latest voice-controlled gadgets. The dialogue focuses on turn on, which means to start a machine or light, to suddenly attack someone, or informally, to interest someone.

Julian: Can you try to turn on the kitchen lights using the voice command to see if the system responds correctly?

Elena: I’ll turn on the smart oven as well; it’s impressive how you can control everything in the house with just a few simple words.

Julian: I read that some animals will turn on their owners if they feel threatened or if their natural instincts are suddenly triggered.

Elena: I noticed that the documentary about deep-sea exploration really managed to turn on his interest in marine biology and conservation.

Julian: If the heater doesn't turn on automatically when the temperature drops, we might need to reset the central thermostat in the hallway.

Elena: I saw a technician turn on the emergency generator during the power outage to keep the critical systems running in the hospital.

Julian: It’s a good habit to turn on your computer's security firewall to protect your personal data from potential cyber-attacks and viruses.

Elena: I agree; I’m going to turn on the humidifier tonight because the air in the bedroom has become very dry during this cold winter week.

Julian: I’m glad we could turn on the new software without any glitches; the interface looks very user-friendly and modern for the clients.

Elena: Me too; once we turn on the final features, the system will be completely ready for the official launch scheduled for next Monday.

Phrases Containing the Phrasal Verb Turn On

The phrases below show how the phrasal verb turn on is used to talk about switching something on or activating a device, system, or feeling.

Turn on the lights

To switch the lights to the active position.

Please turn on the lights when you enter the room so you don’t trip over anything in the dark.

Turn on the TV

To start the television.

He turned on the TV to watch the evening news after finishing his work.

Turn on the computer

To power up a device.

She turned on the computer early in the morning to prepare her presentation.

Turn on the engine

To start a vehicle motor.

He turned on the engine and waited for it to warm up before driving away.

Turn on the heater

To activate heating.

They turned on the heater because the temperature dropped suddenly at night.

Turn on the air conditioner

To start cooling.

Please turn on the air conditioner if the room feels too warm and uncomfortable.

Turn on the radio

To start playing audio.

She turned on the radio to listen to music while cleaning the house.

Turn on the faucet

To allow water to flow.

He turned on the faucet to wash his hands before dinner.

Turn on the fan

To activate airflow.

She turned on the fan to circulate fresh air around the room.

Turn on the microphone

To activate audio input.

Don’t forget to turn on the microphone before starting your online presentation.

Turn on the system

To activate a machine or network.

The technician turned on the system after completing the maintenance check.

Turn on the screen

To activate a display.

He turned on the screen to check for new notifications.

Turn on the stove

To start cooking heat.

She turned on the stove and began preparing dinner for the family.

Turn on the power

To supply electricity.

The electrician turned on the power after repairing the damaged wiring.

Turn on the device

To activate equipment.

Make sure you turn on the device and check that it’s working properly.

Turn on the lights automatically

To activate lighting via a system.

The smart home system can turn on the lights automatically at sunset.

Turn on the camera

To activate video recording.

Please turn on the camera so we can see each other during the meeting.

Turn on the washing machine

To start laundry equipment.

She turned on the washing machine before leaving for work.

Turn on the light switch

To switch lights to on mode.

He turned on the light switch to brighten the dark hallway.

Turn on the notification alerts

To enable system alerts.

She turned on the notification alerts to stay updated with important messages.

Words Rhyme with turn on

burn on

churn on

learn on

fern on

stern on

spurn on

yearn on

concern on

return on

adjourn on

con

don

gone

swan

upon

begone

amazon

marathon

hexagon

octagon

pentagon

phenomenon

jargon

pardon

garden

harden

warden

burden

overdrawn

POS: Verb Phrase