touch off

Set in motion

To touch off is to ignite or trigger something, especially something explosive or dramatic.

The phrase comes from lighting a fuse or primer: A spark touched off the explosion.

More often figurative: His remarks touched off a fierce debate, The arrest touched off riots across the city.

The emphasis is on initiating a chain reaction—something small setting something larger in motion.

provocation

spark

Tiny fiery particle

triggerWhat initiates action
inciteUrge toward action
provokeIncite a response

instigate · stir up · inflame · foment · agitate · rouse · unleash · precipitate · fan the flames · whip up

ignition

spark

Tiny fiery particle

detonateCause to explode
fireCombustion with flames
lightVisible electromagnetic radiation

discharge · blast · explode · trigger · combust · kindle · ignite · fuse · primer · flint

initiation

trigger

What initiates action

startTo set going
beginTo start something
launchSet into motion

initiate · set in motion · activate · precipitate · spark · unleash · catalyze · prompt · generate · commence

Categories

verbsjump, be, speak, wait, do
heat and fireignite, burn, flame, blaze, combust
Melbourne transittrain, tram, bus, train station, tram stop

Opposites

initiation of action or events

touch offextinguish

End combustion forcibly

quell · suppress · defuse · disarm · put out

manner of beginning

touch offphase in

Implement gradually

unfold · creep up · evolve · ramp up · simmer

Family

off, touch, touching, touched, touchy, untouched, touches, touchable, touch-and-go

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G