What are the definitions of “power off”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Cut the electricity to a computer or device to turn it off.
You mustn't POWER it OFF while it is updating.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “power off”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb power off is to turn off a device or machine by cutting the electricity supply. It is often used when talking about computers, smartphones, or other electronic devices.

What are the different verb forms of “power off”?

Root Verb	power off
Third Person Singular Present	powers off
Present Participle	powering off
Simple Past	powered off
Past Participle	powered off

Example

Please power off your devices before the meeting starts.

Example

He powers off his computer every night before leaving the office.

Example

She is powering off her phone before the flight takes off.

Example

Yesterday, they powered off the machines for maintenance.

Example

The devices were powered off during the power outage.

What kind of phrasal verb is “power off”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“power off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She powered off her computer.

Example

He powered the device off before leaving.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“power off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She powered off her computer.

Example

He powered the device off before leaving.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “power off”?

Power off and unplug

To turn off a device and disconnect it from the power source.

Example

Before cleaning the printer, make sure to power it off and unplug it from the wall.

Power off mode

A state in which a device is completely turned off and not using any power.

Example

To save energy, put your computer in power off mode when not in use.

Power off button

A button on a device used to turn it off.

Example

Press the power off button on the remote control to turn off the TV.

Good things to know

Does “power off” have an informal or formal tone?

Power off is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and technical discussions about electronic devices.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “power off”?

Synonyms

disconnect
turn off
shut down
switch off
deactivate
kill

Antonyms

activate
power on
turn on
switch on
connect
start up