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switch

[/swɪtʃ/]
noun/verbpl: switches
interruptor/chave (noun); trocar/mudar (verb)
1. A device for making and breaking an electrical connection
Turn off the light switch before you leave.
Desligue o interruptor de luz antes de sair.
2. To change from one thing to another
I switched to a new phone provider.
Mudei para uma nova operadora de telefone.
3. To exchange positions or roles
Let's switch seats so you can see better.
Vamos trocar de lugar para você ver melhor.
4. A thin stick or rod used for hitting
The old teacher used a switch to discipline students.
O professor antigo usava uma vara para disciplinar os alunos.
5. A change or reversal
There was a sudden switch in the weather.
Houve uma mudança súbita no tempo.
NYC Slang
flip the switch (to activate/change something quickly)
Synonyms
exchangechangeswaptogglecircuit breaker
Antonyms
remainstaykeep

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
interruptor/chave
Most common for electrical switch
Rio de Janeiro
chave
Commonly used colloquially
São Paulo
interruptor
More formal usage
Portugal
comutador/interruptor
Comutador often used for technical contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

switch gears (mudar de marcha/mudar de foco)
switch sides (trocar de lado)
bait and switch (trocar na marra/enganação)
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