Pronunciation: /tʌtʃ ɒf/

Definitions of touch off

noun A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. 'Touch off' does not function as a noun in this context.

Example Sentences

A1 A touch off is a small firecracker that makes a loud noise.

A2 The touch off of the race was signaled by the sound of the starting gun.

B1 The touch off of the argument was a simple misunderstanding.

B2 The touch off of the protest sparked a series of demonstrations across the country.

C1 The touch off of the conflict was a result of years of tension between the two countries.

C2 The touch off of the investigation revealed a web of corruption within the government.

verb A verb is a word that expresses an action or state of being. In this case, 'touch off' is a verb phrase meaning to trigger or set off something.

Example Sentences

A1 The match touched off a fire in the forest.

A2 His comments touched off a heated debate among the group.

B1 The new law touched off protests across the country.

B2 The economic crisis touched off a wave of job losses.

C1 The controversial decision touched off a series of diplomatic tensions.

C2 The scandal touched off a media frenzy and public outcry.

adverb An adverb is a word that modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb. 'Touch off' does not have an adverb in this context.

Example Sentences

A1 The loud noise touched off a panic among the animals.

A2 Her careless comment touched off a heated argument.

B1 The new policy change touched off a wave of protests.

B2 The controversial decision touched off a series of debates.

C1 The economic downturn touched off a global recession.

C2 The assassination of the leader touched off a political crisis.

preposition A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. 'Off' is a preposition in the verb phrase 'touch off', indicating the direction or movement away from something.

Example Sentences

A1 The spark touched off a fire in the forest.

A2 His careless remark touched off a heated argument.

B1 The announcement of the new policy touched off a wave of protests.

B2 The controversial decision by the government touched off a series of demonstrations.

C1 The assassination of the leader touched off a civil war in the country.

C2 The economic crisis touched off a global recession.

Examples of touch off in a Sentence

formal The match was used to touch off the fireworks display.

informal He touched off a debate among his friends with his controversial statement.

slang She touched off a party with her killer dance moves.

figurative The small argument touched off a full-blown conflict between the two countries.

Grammatical Forms of touch off

past tense

touched off

plural

touch off

comparative

more touchy off

superlative

most touchy off

present tense

touches off

future tense

will touch off

perfect tense

has touched off

continuous tense

is touching off

singular

touches off

positive degree

touch off

infinitive

to touch off

gerund

touching off

participle

touched off

Origin and Evolution of touch off

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'touch off' originated from the idea of igniting or setting off a fire or explosion.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the use of 'touch off' has expanded beyond literal fire-related contexts to also refer to triggering events or emotions.