Definition

Phrasal Verb: * To cause something to start, especially suddenly, often something involving strong emotions, a reaction, or a series of events. It implies initiating a process that may be difficult to control once begun.

Usage

This phrasal verb is transitive and separable. It is often used in contexts where a small action or event leads to a much larger, often negative, consequence. * Structure: [Subject] touch off [Object] or [Subject] touch [Object] off * Tense: Can be used in all tenses (e.g., touched off, will touch off, is touching off).

Examples

• The politician's careless remark touched off a wave of protests across the country.
• A single spark from the machinery touched the explosion off.
• The new policy is likely to touch off a major debate in parliament.
• The arrest of the activist touched off violent clashes with the police.

Advanced Usage

• Journalistic/Formal Context: Commonly used in news reports and analytical writing to describe the catalyst for significant events.
  • The economic crisis was touched off by the collapse of the housing market.
• Figurative Use: Can be used for non-physical reactions, like emotions or debates.
  • His heartfelt speech touched off a wave of nostalgia among the audience.

Variants and Related Words

• Trigger (verb): A very close synonym, meaning to cause something to start. ()
• Spark (verb): To be the immediate cause of something, especially something lively or violent. ()
• Precipitate (verb): To make something, usually something bad, happen suddenly or sooner than expected. ()
• Provoke (verb): To cause a reaction, especially a negative one. ()
• Set off: A phrasal verb with a very similar meaning, often interchangeable with "touch off." ()

Synonyms

• Activate
• Ignite
• Instigate
• Set in motion
• Initiate

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Set off: To cause an explosion or alarm to operate; to start a journey.
  • They set off fireworks. / We set off at dawn.
• Spark off: (Chiefly British) Has the same meaning as "touch off" or "set off."
  • The decision sparked off a controversy.

Related Idioms

• Light the fuse/touchpaper: To do something that starts a dangerous or exciting series of events. This idiom is very close in meaning, with a stronger implication of an impending "explosion."
  • His resignation lit the fuse for a leadership battle.

Verb

1. put in motion or move to act
   • trigger a reaction
   • actuate the circuits