1. (

• switch ,
• electric_switch ,
• electrical_switch

) control consisting of a mechanical or electrical or electronic device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit ;

2. (

• substitution ,
• permutation ,
• transposition ,
• replacement ,
• switch

) an event in which one thing is substituted for another; "the replacement of lost blood by a transfusion of donor blood" ;

3. (

• switch ,

) hairpiece consisting of a tress of false hair; used by women to give shape to a coiffure ;

4. (

• switch ,

) railroad track having two movable rails and necessary connections; used to turn a train from one track to another or to store rolling stock ;

5. (

• switch

) a flexible implement used as an instrument of punishment ;

6. (

• switch ,

) a basketball maneuver; two defensive players shift assignments so that each guards the player usually guarded by the other ;

7. (

• switch ,
• switching ,
• shift ,

) the act of changing one thing or position for another; "his switch on abortion cost him the election" ;

1. (

• switch_over ,
• switch ,
• exchange ,

) change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence ;

2. (

• trade ,
• swap ,
• swop ,
• switch

) exchange or give (something) in exchange for ;

3. (

• switch ,
• shift ,
• change ,

) lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; "switch to a different brand of beer"; "She switched psychiatrists"; "The car changed lanes" ;

4. (

• switch ,
• change_over ,
• shift

) make a shift in or exchange of; "First Joe led; then we switched" ;

5. (

• throw ,
• flip ,
• switch

) cause to go on or to be engaged or set in operation; "switch on the light"; "throw the lever" ;

6. (

• switch ,

) flog with or as if with a flexible rod ;

7. (

• interchange ,
• tack ,
• switch ,
• alternate ,
• flip ,
• flip-flop

) reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action) ;