turnoff

noun

turn·off | \ ˈtərn-ˌȯf

Definition of turnoff

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a place where one turns off especially : exit sense 4

2 : one that causes loss of interest or enthusiasm the music was a turnoff

3 : a turning off

turn off

verb

Definition of turn off (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to stop the flow of or shut off by or as if by turning a control turn the water off

2 : to cause to lose interest : bore economics turns me off also : to evoke a negative feeling in

3a : dismiss, discharge

b : to dispose of : sell

4 : deflect, evade

5 : produce, accomplish

6 : hang sense 1b

7a : to remove (material) by the process of turning

b : to shape or produce by turning

intransitive verb

1 : to deviate from a straight course or from a main road turn off into a side road

2a British : to turn bad : spoil

b : to change to a specified state : become

3 : to lose interest : withdraw

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about turnoff

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Examples of turnoff in a Sentence

Noun

His strong cologne was a real turnoff.

Verb

that memorably bad meal turned me off about restaurant food for a while turn off at the third exit and follow the ramp to your left

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

But the challenges in delivering food quickly and fresh are even greater for coffee, and delivery fees are likely to be a turnoff for customers placing small orders. — Paul Page, WSJ, "Today’s Logistics Report: Exports Pull Back; Brexit’s Inventory Build; Getting Coffee to Go," 14 Dec. 2018 Hold the Hairspray Nothing is a bigger turnoff than helmet head. — Good Housekeeping, "Valentine's Day 2019," 15 Jan. 2014 Where: From Flagstaff, drive north on U.S. 180 for about 25 miles to the marked turnoff on the left (near mile marker 247). — Roger Naylor, azcentral, "Kid-friendly hikes around Arizona: Hit the trail with your family this summer," 28 June 2018 That’s always been his major turnoff among many working-class voters in Labour’s traditional base. — Joseph C. Sternberg, WSJ, "How an Accident Could Happen in Britain," 27 Sep. 2018 The turnoff was still called Marine World Parkway for more than a decade, even after the shiny cylindrical Oracle office towers rose to the sky. — Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle, "Marine World/Africa U.S.A. is gone, but the legend grows," 9 Mar. 2018 To reach the Point of the Mountain Vista rest area from the CR 4124 turnoff, continue 2.3 miles east on SR 260 to SR 261, past mile marker 393. — Mare Czinar, azcentral, "Arizona hike: Wildlife abounds on the South Fork Trail," 19 June 2018 The idea of her dominating you like that might be a huge turnoff. — Steve & Mia, Philly.com, "Steve & Mia: How to broach an unusual sex request," 12 July 2018 The turnoff is at Castella, bound for Castle Crags State Park. — Tom Stienstra, San Francisco Chronicle, "Castle Crags’ spectacular little seen world," 5 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

He’ll be counted upon only to win games, but also to win back fans turned off by the owner’s aversion to change. — Joe Kay, The Seattle Times, "With wait over, Bengals hire Zac Taylor as coach," 4 Feb. 2019 Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency said in a news release that workers have turned off nearly 8,600 meters that were impacted, cleared homes of gas and restored electricity. — Fox News, "Residents allowed to return home following Massachusetts gas explosions, governor says," 16 Sep. 2018 However, the network has expressed some concern that Barr's outspoken support of Trump might turn off viewers who dislike the president. — Yvonne Villarreal, latimes.com, "'Roseanne' revival helps ABC stage a comeback in the ratings," 15 May 2018 Carbon Engineering The book also has nothing about behavior change — no turning off lights or going vegetarian. — David Roberts, Vox, "Climate change policy can be overwhelming. Here’s a guide to the policies that work.," 30 Nov. 2018 Any cash shortfall can cause embarrassment, with power supply to the brand-new Samara Arena briefly turned off last month when electricity bills had reportedly gone unpaid for several months. — James Ellingworth, Fox News, "Two months after WCup final, Russia police no longer relaxed," 15 Sep. 2018 The original play call may come in through the helmet, but since the radio is turned off with 15 seconds remaining on the play clock, someone on the sideline can signal in an audible fairly easily. — Andy Staples, SI.com, "Like It or Not, College Football Is Influencing the NFL," 12 July 2018 Swaback said that once the gas was turned off, repairs would be made and then the gas would be turned on again. — Staff Report, chicagotribune.com, "Gas leak in Skokie following construction accident forces evacuation of several homes," 18 June 2018 The fire department was quickly called in to turn off the water. — Nicholas Rondinone, courant.com, "After Scuffle With West Hartford Cops, Man Strips, Breaks Sprinkler, Floods Cell," 11 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'turnoff.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.