power off

power off — phrasal verb

  • power offbase form
  • powers off3rd person singular
  • powering off-ing form
  • powered offpast simple

1. to stop an electronic device from working by cutting off its electrical power

1.phrasal verbtransitive / intransitiveB1
Definition

to stop an electronic device from working by cutting off its electrical power

Example

Mira powered off her laptop and closed the lid before leaving.

Cole forgot to power off the office printer last Friday evening.

Common collocations
  • power off your computer
  • power off the device
  • forget to power off
Synonyms
  • turn off

    more general; works for lights, taps, engines, and devices

  • shut down

    implies a proper shutdown sequence, especially for computers

  • switch off

    common in British English; similar to 'turn off'

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

power off + [device]

power + [device] + off

[device] + power off

Usage Note

Separable — the object can go between the verb and particle: 'power the computer off' or 'power off the computer.' Also used intransitively when the device itself is the subject: 'The screen powered off.' Typically used for electronic devices with a power mechanism; not natural for mechanical items or simple lights.

Common Mistakes

I powered off the light before bed.
I turned off the light before bed.
'power off' is for devices with a power button or mechanism; lights are 'turned off' or 'switched off.'

Synonym discussion

Sense: phrasal verb/1

'Power off' is the most technical of these synonyms and refers specifically to cutting electrical power. 'Turn off' is the most common everyday term and works for any device — lights, taps, engines, as well as electronics. 'Shut down' implies a proper sequence: computers 'shut down' through a menu rather than by simply pulling the plug. 'Switch off' is the preferred term in British English for everyday devices. Unlike 'turn off,' you would not use 'power off' for a bathroom tap or a gas stove.

turn off ↗shut down ↗switch off ↗

Etymology

English

Formed from 'power' (electricity) and the particle 'off' (indicating deactivation). The phrase emerged in the mid-20th century as electronic devices with dedicated power buttons became common in homes and workplaces.