switch-n; 5 Senses

Sense Number 1: electricity-controlling device

Commentary: A piece of equipment that controls the flow of electricity, usually turning something on or off.

Examples:
There was a light switch on the wall.
Pull the switch, you fool!
I looked for hours, but I couldn't find the machine's 'on' switch.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: replacement

Commentary: SWITCH[+event] The substitution of one thing for another.

Examples:
The king was replaced by a similar-looking impostor, and nobody noticed the switch.
I made a switch from Folger's to Maxwell House when I realized I couldn't taste the difference.
The politician's switch on abortion cost him the election.
The basketball players executed a switch play to confuse the other team.

Mappings:
PropBank: switch.01
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 6, 7

Sense Number 3: fake hair

Commentary: A hairpiece used by women to give shape to a coiffure.

Examples:
She was able to give her hair a "beehive" look without using any switches.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 4: railroad part

Commentary: The part of a rail line that puts a train onto another track.

Examples:
We accidentally changed tracks at the switch and ended up in Canada.
I worked as a switch man at the railroad station.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 4

Sense Number 5: implement of punishment

Commentary: A flexible instrument, often a tree branch, used to punish somebody.

Examples:
Boy, go cut me a switch so I can whip you!
He gave me ten lashings with a switch.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 5