Phrase guide

touch off

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To start (something); to set off traps; especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • Be cautious talking about religion or politics, lest you touch off an argument.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To cause a fire to start.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • A spark touched off the conflagration.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To establish a reference coordinate or datum, by moving the tool head to just touch the workpiece or machine bed.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: engineering, machining, mechanical-engineering, natural-sciences, physical-sciences

Examples

  • A traditional method of touching off uses a piece of thin paper placed between the tool and workpiece.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

put in motion or move to act

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • trigger a reaction
  • actuate the circuits

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: trip, actuate, trigger, activate, set off, spark off, spark, trigger off

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: initiate, pioneer

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

11 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: déclencher — to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed
  • Galician: desencadear — to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed
  • German: auslösen — to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed
  • Polish: wywoływać — to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed
  • Polish: wywołać — to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed
  • Polish: zaczynać — to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed
  • Polish: zacząć — to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed
  • Polish: powodować — to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed
  • Polish: spowodować — to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed
  • Portuguese: desencadear — to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed
  • Spanish: desencadenar — to cause, especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed