touch off

to cause to function <his obscene comment touched off a heated debate about the need for censorship on live broadcasts> Synonyms actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, activate, trigger, turn onRelated Words kick over, turn over; charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push; discharge, launch, release, switch, trip; reactivate, recharge; arouse, excite, jump-start, kick-start, stimulate, vitalize; ignite, incite, instigate, provoke, quicken, stir up; accelerate, catalyze, speed (up), step upNear Antonyms arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop; decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppressAntonyms cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off