Touch off Meaning in English
expression
ˈtətʃ/ /ˈɔf
TUHCH-awf
tˈʌtʃ/ /ˈɒf
TUCH-of
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
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
It doesn't take much to touch off a fight in that neighborhood.
natural