Looking for synonyms for turn off? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say turn off.
- Disable
- Deactivate
- Shut down
- Power off
- Switch off
- Cut off
- Turn out
- Kill (informal)
- Unplug
- Close
- Stop
- Extinguish
- Disconnect
Want to learn how to say turn off professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Disable
Appropriate for contexts involving software or functions rather than physical devices. It suggests making something temporarily inoperative.
- Example: “Please disable the alarm system before entering the code.”
2. Deactivate
Used in both technical and non-technical contexts, implying making something inactive or stopping its operation, often temporarily.
- Example: “Deactivate your account if you plan to be offline for an extended period.”
3. Shut down
Refers to the process of turning off a device or system, especially computers, completely and orderly.
- Example: “Shut down the computer before you leave the office.”
4. Power off
Used with electronic devices, indicating the action of turning off the power completely.
- Example: “Remember to power off the projector after the presentation.”
5. Switch off
A general term for turning off devices or lights, suitable for both professional and casual settings.
- Example: “Please switch off the lights when you exit the conference room.”
6. Cut off
Implies an abrupt or sudden stop of power, supply, or communication, often used in utilities or services.
- Example: “The company will cut off the electricity if the bill is not paid by the due date.”
7. Turn out
Less common, sometimes used to indicate turning off lights with a slightly archaic or formal tone.
- Example: “Turn out the lights in the office before leaving.”
8. Kill
An informal term often used in technical contexts, such as shutting down processes or applications.
- Example: “Kill the process if it’s not responding within the network management system.”
9. Unplug
Literally refers to removing the plug of a device from the power source, effectively turning it off.
- Example: “Unplug the machine when it’s not in use to save energy.”
10. Close
Used in the context of software or applications, meaning to exit or terminate their operation.
- Example: “Close all open applications before shutting down your computer.”
11. Stop
A general term that can apply to ending an operation, process, or activity.
- Example: “Stop the server maintenance procedure before the workday begins.”
12. Extinguish
Primarily used for fires, but metaphorically it can refer to turning off lights or ending something.
- Example: “Extinguish all the lights before the security check.”
13. Disconnect
Used in the context of removing a device from a power source or network, implying a more physical action than just turning off.
- Example: “Disconnect the external hard drives from the computer after backup.”
