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turn on

/tərn ɑn/
/tən ɒn/
IPA guide

Other forms: turned on; turning on; turns on

Definitions of turn on
  1. verb
    cause to operate by flipping a switch
    turn on the stereo”
    synonyms: switch on
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    type of:
    flip, switch, throw
    cause to go on or to be engaged or set in operation
  2. verb
    produce suddenly or automatically
    Turn on the charm”
    turn on the waterworks”
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    type of:
    bring forth, produce
    bring out for display
  3. verb
    stimulate sexually
    synonyms: arouse, excite, sex, wind up
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    types:
    tempt
    try to seduce
    type of:
    excite, shake, shake up, stimulate, stir
    stir the feelings, emotions, or peace of
  4. verb
    cause to be agitated, excited, or roused
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    types:
    hype up, psych up
    get excited or stimulated
    bother
    make nervous or agitated
    pother
    make upset or troubled
    electrify
    excite suddenly and intensely
    type of:
    disturb, trouble, upset
    move deeply
  5. verb
    become hostile towards
    “The dog suddenly turned on the mailman”
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    type of:
    change
    undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature
  6. verb
    get high, stoned, or drugged
  7. verb
    be contingent on
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    types:
    build on, build upon, repose on, rest on
    be based on; of theories and claims, for example
    owe
    be indebted to, in an abstract or intellectual sense
Pronunciation
US
/tərn ɑn/
UK
/tən ɒn/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘turn on'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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