touch off
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"If the Cuban economy and social order collapses, it would actually be a disaster for the United States, because it's likely to touch off a mass migration crisis," the professor said.
From BBC ● May 16, 2026
What she couldn’t have realized on that afternoon in the Dolomites was that her success would touch off a stunning gold rush for the rest of Team USA.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 23, 2026
Unbeknown to American officials at the time, the genetic map that had landed on their doorstep contained critical clues about the virus that would soon touch off a pandemic.
From New York Times ● Jan. 18, 2024
Water can get into the liftgate control computer, causing an electrical short that can touch off a fire.
From Seattle Times ● May 16, 2023
Frustration over the lack of progress in housing and employment issues kept tensions high in Durham, with only a spark needed to touch off an explosion.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
