touch off

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Explanation of "Touch Off"

Definition:
The phrase "touch off" is a verb that means to trigger or start something, often a reaction or an event. It can refer to starting a physical action, like igniting something, or it can mean causing emotions or discussions to begin.

Usage Instructions:

1. Physical Context: You can use "touch off" when talking about starting something like a fire or an explosion.
2. Emotional/Abstract Context: It can also be used to describe starting discussions, emotions, or reactions in people.

Examples:

1. Physical Context:

   • "The spark from the wire touched off a small fire."

2. Emotional/Abstract Context:

   • "The news of the scandal touched off a heated debate among the community."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced contexts, "touch off" can be used in discussions about politics, social issues, or in scientific contexts where one event leads to another.

Word Variants:

• Noun Form: "Touch-off" can be used as a noun, usually in contexts like "the touch-off of a discussion."

Different Meanings:

• In a more specific context, "touch off" can refer to the action of igniting explosives, such as in military or safety discussions.

Synonyms:

• Trigger
• Spark
• Initiate
• Set off
• Activate

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Set Off: Similar to "touch off," meaning to start something.
• Light Up: Often used to mean starting a fire or igniting emotions.

Summary:

"Touch off" is a versatile phrase used to describe the initiation of actions, events, or reactions, both physically and emotionally.

Academic

Verb

1. put in motion or move to act
   • trigger a reaction
   • actuate the circuits

Synonyms

• trip
• actuate
• trigger
• activate
• set off
• spark off
• spark
• trigger off