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
Investors have backed away from financial stocks as their risk tolerance falls and fears mount that stalled oil trade will touch off a global energy crisis.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026
Still, Powell isn’t likely to signal that a pause in rate increases will occur anytime soon, out of concern that such a message could touch off rallies in stocks and bonds.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 31, 2023
Though lightning bolts can readily touch off fires in the dry season, they do not pose as great a threat now because the storms have also soaked the landscape with huge amounts of rain.
From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2023
If he happened to be out on the reef, and I heard a plane, I could take a light from our campfire, follow the rope down, and touch off the big fire.
From "The Cay" by Theodore Taylor
