Definition of "switch off"

To switch off the instrument when the clockwork is not wound up, and to remind the subscriber of doing so, there is provided an indicator, x, which is worked in the following manner.

1893, The Electrical Review, volume 32, page 554

We have found that a patrolman in the central section of the city can switch on, and later switch off, 100 signs with ease.

1906, National Electric Light Association, National Electric Light Association Twenty-Ninth Convention, page 420

He began shutting down the flight controls, switching off all the things he'd switched on before, switching on all the things he'd switched off.

2001, David Gerrold, Bouncing Off the Moon‎, page 208

Fulham switched off as Giggs took a quick corner to Valencia. He played it back to Giggs, whose cross was headed in by Nani with the lurking Rooney unable to add a touch.

2011 December 21, Tom Rostance, “Fulham 0 - 5 Man Utd”, in BBC Sport‎

While you are pregnant with the desire for the car, the house or anything, try to switch off your mind to avoid brainstorming any solutions.

2013, Ashbel Vudzijena, Success is a CALLING!‎, page 82

In short, the Bible is used by many, believers and atheists alike, as a book best handled only after switching off your brain.

2015, Simon Taylor, How To Read The Bible (without switching off your brain)‎

"We haven't a musket, and Tommy's crowd are well armed. They have the inside track" "Then we can switch off." "Switch off?" "Yes, and take the inside track."

1869, Oliver Optic, Switch Off; or, the War of the Students‎

Besides Crow belting out "Bitch," the concert featured several artists switching off on lead vocals

1997 February 1, Billboard‎, volume 109, number 5, page 84

Freddie gave me a quick five-minute lesson on handling Cherry Pie and we switched off between sleeping and driving.

2014, Samantha Verant, King of the Mutants‎