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touch off

verb

Definition of touch off

  1. transitive verb

  2. 1a :  to provoke or initiate with sudden intensity the verdict touched off local riotsb :  to cause to explode by or as if by touching with fire

  3. 2 :  to describe or characterize with precision

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Examples of touch off in a Sentence

  1. his obscene comment touched off a heated debate about the need for censorship on live broadcasts

First Known Use of touch off

circa 1765

touch off Synonyms

Synonyms
actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, activate, trigger, turn on
Antonyms
cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off
Related 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 up
Near Antonyms
arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop; decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppress

Learn More about touch off

  1. See words that rhyme with touch off Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for touch off

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Examples: touch off in a Sentence