Touch off — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb

Meaning & Definition of Touch off

Touch off (verb)

  1. to provoke or initiate with sudden intensity
  2. to cause to explode by or as if by touching with fire
  3. to describe or characterize with precision

Touch off (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause to function

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

    similar: activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, trigger, turn on
    related: 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
    opposite: cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off
    near: arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop, decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppress

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Touch off

The most common words with a similar meaning to Touch off:

activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, trigger, turn on

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Touch off

Words with the opposite meaning of Touch off:

cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off

Related Words for Touch off

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

Near Antonyms of Touch off

arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop, decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppress

Word Forms of Touch off

Inflections: touched off, touching off, touches off

Origin & Etymology of Touch off

First known use: 1694

Frequently Asked Questions about Touch off

What does "Touch off" mean?

"Touch off" means to provoke or initiate with sudden intensity. As a verb, it is defined as: to provoke or initiate with sudden intensity.

What is another word for "Touch off"?

Other words for "Touch off" include activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off and spark. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Touch off" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Touch off"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Touch off". Common alternatives include activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start and trigger.

What is the opposite of "Touch off"?

Antonyms of "Touch off" include cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off and turn off. Near antonyms include arrest, brake, check and cut off.

How do you use "Touch off" in a sentence?

Examples of "Touch off" in a sentence: "his obscene comment touched off a heated debate about the need for censorship on live broadcasts".

Is "Touch off" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Touch off" is a verb.

What is the origin of the word "Touch off"?

First known use: 1694.

What is another word for "Touch off" meaning "to cause to function"?

When "Touch off" (verb) means to cause to function, synonyms include activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move and run. Opposites in this sense include cut, cut out, deactivate and kill.