turn on
The phrase "turn on" has multiple meanings, ranging from activating devices to causing excitement or hostility.
Definition
A2Everyday Use
(common)To activate or start something, such as a device, by operating a switch or button.
Example
- Please turn on the lights.
- He turned on the TV to watch the news.
B2Emotional and Sexual
(informal)To cause someone to become excited or aroused, often sexually.
Example
- The music really turns me on.
- She knows how to turn him on.
B2Behavioral
(common)To suddenly become hostile or aggressive towards someone.
Example
- The dog turned on its owner.
- He turned on his friend during the argument.
B2Introduction
(informal)To introduce someone to a new interest or activity.
Example
- That book turned me on to science fiction.
- He turned her on to hiking.
C1Drug Use
(slang)To take or cause someone to take drugs, especially hallucinogens.
Example
- They turned on with some friends at the party.
- He turned her on to psychedelic drugs.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "turn on":
switch onswitched onfire upturn offturn tolight upturn upturn up the heatswitch offill turnpower upstart oncrank upkey onset onturn overtune inget ontuned input onturn aboutspark upturn intouch onon the turnlit upheat upset toopen upboot upturn aroundgame onget on toturnt upclap oncranked upbe onturn downstart upclock onstart intoamp uppress buttonturn out