switch

Etymology

Perhaps from Middle Dutch swijch (“twig”). First attested in c. 1592.

noun

1. A device to turn electric current on and off or direct its flow.
2. A change or exchange.
   Wenger sent on Cesc Fabregas and Van Persie to try to finish Leeds off and with 14 minutes left the switch paid off as the Spaniard sent Bendtner away down the right and his wonderful curling cross was headed in by Van Persie at the far post. January 19, 2011, Jonathan Stevenson, “Leeds 1 - 3 Arsenal”, in BBC
3. (rail transport, US) A movable section of railroad track which allows the train to be directed down one of two destination tracks; (set of) points.
4. A slender woody plant stem used as a whip; a thin, flexible rod, associated with corporal punishment in the United States.
   A proper switch is a slim, flexible branch off a tree or a bush. A switch applied to the buttocks stings fiercely. It may leave red marks or bruises, but it causes no lasting damage.. 2007, Jeffrey W. Hamilton, Raising Godly Children in a Wicked World, Lulu.com, page 15
5. (music) Synonym of rute.
6. (computer science) A command line notation allowing specification of optional behavior.
   Use the /b switch to specify black-and-white printing.
7. (computing, programming">programming) A programming">programming construct that takes different actions depending on the value of an expression.
   2004, Curt, “Can I use IF statements, and still use switches?”, in microsoft.public.word.mailmerge.fields (Usenet):
8. (computing, networking) A networking device connecting multiple wires, allowing them to communicate simultaneously, when possible. Compare to the less efficient hub device that solely duplicates network packets to each wire.
9. (telecommunications) A system of specialized relays, computer hardware, or other equipment which allows the interconnection of a calling party's telephone line with any called party's line.
10. (genetics) A mechanism within DNA that activates or deactivates a gene.
11. (BDSM) One who is willing to take either a submissive or a dominant role in a sexual relationship.
    Ideally, if one of your ladies happens to be a switch (or would be willing to switch for this scene), I would love to be able to inflict a little "revenge tickling" as well, as part of a scenario. 2012, Terri-Jean Bedford, Bondage Bungalow Fantasies, page 99
12. (historical) A separate mass or tress of hair, or of some substance (such as jute) made to resemble hair, formerly worn on the head by women.
13. (card games) A variant of crazy eights where one card, such as an ace, reverses the direction of play.

verb

1. (transitive) To exchange.
   A “moving platform” scheme[…]is more technologically ambitious than maglev trains even though it relies on conventional rails. Local trains would use side-by-side rails to roll alongside intercity trains and allow passengers to switch trains by stepping through docking bays. 2013-06-01, “Ideas coming down the track”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8838, page 13 (Technology Quarterly)
   I want to switch this red dress for a green one.
2. (transitive) To change (something) to the specified state using a switch.
   Switch the light on.
3. (transitive, in modern times Southern US) To whip or hit with a switch.
4. (intransitive) To change places, tasks, etc.
   I want to switch to a different seat.
5. (slang, intransitive) To get angry suddenly; to quickly or unreasonably become enraged.
6. To swing or whisk.
   to switch a cane
7. To be swung or whisked.
   The angry cat's tail switched back and forth.
8. To trim.
   Switch and clip thorn and other deciduous hedges. 1811, Walter Nicol, The Planters Kalendar
9. To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; generally with off, from, etc.
   to switch off a train; to switch a car from one track to another
10. (ecclesiastical) To shift to another circuit.
11. (intransitive) To take on the opposite role (leader vs. follower) in a partner dance.
    Feel free to ask her to follow, lead, or switch! 2023-02-18 (last accessed), “Heather Lombardi”, in The Dancing Fools

adj

1. (snowboarding) Pertaining to riding with the front and back feet swapped round compared to one's normal position.
2. (freestyle skiing) Pertaining to skiing backwards.