proximity switch
nounUK /prɒkˈsɪmɪti swɪtʃ/
US /prɑːkˈsɪməti swɪtʃ/
A proximity switch is a little sensor that turns something on or off when another thing comes close to it.
The proximity switch on the door makes the light turn on when you walk near it.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A device in phones that turns the screen off when you hold it to your ear.
The phone's proximity switch darkened the screen during the call.
3. An industrial safety device that stops a machine when a person gets too close.
The robot arm halted because its proximity switch sensed a worker nearby.
4. A car part that warns you when you are close to an obstacle while parking.
The parking proximity switch beeped faster as the car neared the wall.