as in to trigger
to cause to function
his obscene comment touched off a heated debate about the need for censorship on live broadcasts
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of touch off
Their disappearance was not noticed for several hours and touched off a massive manhunt.
—
Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
This includes soaring gas prices at the pump, seesawing stock markets, rising food and fertilizer prices, higher shipping-insurance costs, and fuel shortages that have touched off violence, work stoppages, and profiteering in parts of Asia and Africa.
—Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
Her announcement touched off a new round of progressive candidates backing away from the Iron Dome.
—Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
The movie touched off nationwide controversy when it was first released because of the real-world violence that seemed to follow in its wake.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for touch off
Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
This includes soaring gas prices at the pump, seesawing stock markets, rising food and fertilizer prices, higher shipping-insurance costs, and fuel shortages that have touched off violence, work stoppages, and profiteering in parts of Asia and Africa.
—Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
Her announcement touched off a new round of progressive candidates backing away from the Iron Dome.
—Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
The movie touched off nationwide controversy when it was first released because of the real-world violence that seemed to follow in its wake.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for touch off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for touch off
Verb
-
The incident triggered a fire alarm, obliging the entire French delegation — some of whom were still in their pyjamas — to evacuate the building.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
Prosecutors argue Mtula Payton and Dandrae Martin were part of rival groups that challenged each other, while defense attorneys contend the shooting was self-defense triggered by Sergio Harris.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams.—
Harriette Cole,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
-
That foundation meant that when the mainstream moment arrived, there was already a real community ready to activate and amplify it.—
Olivia Shalhoup,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Perhaps the shocking recent news of Alex Murdaugh’s convictions being overturned will spark voter interest in the Hulu true-crime miniseries.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
-
The World Health Organization has declared an international public health emergency as a growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa sparks concern that the deadly virus could spread beyond the region — including into the United States.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
Verb
-
The work is freelance and deadline-driven, with no salary, benefits, or job security.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
-
Neto drove a 2-0 sinker 413 feet to center field, stunning Ginn and the A’s while ending a six-game losing streak for the Angels.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
Verb
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That set off a week of dueling accusations between defense lawyers and prosecutors over the speed at which the conspiracy charge was dropped and what went on in the grand jury room.—
Hannah Meisel,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
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The first Orient Express famously set off on its maiden voyage in October 1883, traveling from Paris to Istanbul (then Constantinople) over three days.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Instead of building multi-billion-dollar pipelines to move hydrogen across the country, mining companies could theoretically tap the rock beneath their own boots to power their operations.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
18 May 2026
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The National Coal Council, which had been abolished under President Joe Biden, advances coal’s interests as a national security issue to power the data center revolution.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
17 May 2026
Verb
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The campaign now moves forward with voters weighing sharply different visions for California’s future as the primary draws closer.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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The Raiders had their worst season since moving to Las Vegas last year.—
Sam Warren,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Touch off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/touch%20off. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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