Sekirov Dictionary

turn on

verb 12
turn-on noun 1
forms 4

verb12

•
To set a flow of fluid or gas running by rotating a tap or valve.
- Turn on the tap/faucet.
•
To power up, to put into operation, to start, to activate (an appliance, light, mechanism, functionality etc.).
- Please turn the lights on so I can see what I'm reading.
- Please turn on automatic updates.
•
To start operating; to power up, to become on.
- My computer won't turn on.
•
To introduce (someone to something), and especially to fill them with enthusiasm (about it); to intoxicate, give pleasure to ( + to an object of interest or excitement).
- Attractive packaging can turn buyers on to a product.
- Attractive showroom models can turn buyers on.
•
(informal) To sexually arouse.
- John's a maid fetishist. Maid outfits really turn him on.
•
To rebel against; to suddenly attack.
- Suddenly all his friends turned on him.
•
To cause (someone) to rebel against or suddenly attack (someone else).
- We need to be thinking about what it means the way they are locking us up, and turning us on each other. We need to start fighting for our rights together. — 1984
•
To depend upon; to pivot around, to have as a central subject.
- The argument turned on the question of whether or not jobs would be lost.
•
To aim at.
- He turned the searchlight on the passing planes.
- Cornered by the authorities, the shooter turned the gun on himself.
•
(slang) To take drugs.
- "Well, they seem to always have dope up there, and I like to turn on, too." "You do?" "Sure. Cops is just people. I don't drink, so I gotta do something to get my kicks." — 1971
•
(slang) To cause to take up drugs, especially hallucinogens.
- In fact, many youngsters will not even turn on a close friend if they know he has never used drugs. And it is rare indeed for a youth to actively seek out people to turn on. — 1976
To lower, blocking the way and signalling that a train may not proceed.

turn-on noun1

•
(informal) Something that attracts, gives pleasure, or encourages, especially sexually.
- Pretty eyes have always been a turn-on.

forms

turned on · turning on · turns on · turn-ons

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