touch off: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2neutral; frequent in news and narrative contexts
Quick answer
What does “touch off” mean?
To cause something, often sudden, violent, or energetic, to begin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cause something, often sudden, violent, or energetic, to begin.
To be the immediate catalyst for a sudden event or strong reaction; to ignite figuratively or literally.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in meaning or usage. The phrasal verb is used similarly in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally associated with sudden, often negative, chain reactions in both BrE and AmE.
Frequency
Similar frequency; perhaps slightly more common in AmE journalistic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “touch off” in a Sentence
SVOO: [Subject] touched off [Event/Reaction].SVO: The comment touched off a furious row.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “touch off” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new policy touched off riots in several cities.
- A single tweet touched off a national debate on privacy.
American English
- The verdict touched off protests across the country.
- The leaked report touched off a major political scandal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The merger talks touched off a wave of speculation in the markets.
Academic
The discovery touched off a major paradigm shift in theoretical physics.
Everyday
His careless remark touched off a huge family argument.
Technical
A stray spark touched off the fuel-air mixture, causing the explosion.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “touch off”
- Using 'touch off' for planned or positive beginnings (e.g., 'She touched off the celebration' sounds odd). Confusing it with 'touch on' (to mention briefly).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but is most commonly found in written news, reports, and narrative. It is less common in very casual chat.
Rarely. Its primary association is with sudden, often negative or chaotic, beginnings (riots, debates, explosions). Using it for a celebration would be unusual.
They are very close synonyms. 'Touch off' often emphasizes a more immediate, direct, and often uncontrollable catalyst, while 'set off' can be slightly broader and more neutral (e.g., 'set off on a journey').
Yes, it is a separable phrasal verb. E.g., 'The comment touched off a debate' or 'The comment touched a debate off.' However, the non-separated form (touched off a debate) is more common, especially when the object is long.
To cause something, often sudden, violent, or energetic, to begin.
Touch off: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʌtʃ ˈɒf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʌtʃ ˈɔːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It was the spark that touched off the powder keg.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of lighting a firework with a **touch** of a match. That small **touch** makes it go **off** with a bang. 'Touch off' = a small cause, big explosive effect.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAUSATION IS IGNITION / A TRIGGER EVENT IS A SPARK.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'touch off' LEAST appropriate?