Touch off Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To cause something to start suddenly, especially a strong reaction, event, or a conflict.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used for triggering something negative like violence, protests, or arguments. More common in written or formal English, especially news. Can sound dramatic; often found in 'touch off a debate/crisis/riot.' Not about physical touching.
Spanish: provocar - desencadenarPortuguese (BR): desencadear - provocarPortuguese (PT): despoletar - provocarChinese (Simplified): 引发 - 激起Chinese (Traditional): 引發 - 激起Hindi: भड़काना - आरंभ करनाArabic: أشعل - أثارBengali: উসকে দেওয়া - সৃষ্টির সূত্রপাত করাRussian: спровоцировать - вызвать (негативное)Japanese: 引き起こすVietnamese: châm ngòi - gây raKorean: 촉발하다 - 유발하다Turkish: tetiklemek - başlatmak (olumsuz olay için)Urdu: برپا کرنا - شروع کرنا (منفی صورتحال)Indonesian: memicu - memulai (kejadian buruk)
Example Sentences
It doesn't take much to touch off a fight in that neighborhood.
natural
The speech touched off a huge protest.
basic
One small spark can touch off a fire.
basic
The announcement touched off a lot of questions.
basic
His comments touched off an angry debate at the meeting.
natural
The sudden price increase touched off panic among shoppers.
natural