set off meaning and definition

SET OFF verb

Definition of set off (verb)

1. put in motion or move to act
   • "trigger a reaction"; "actuate the circuits"
   • synonyms: activate, actuate, spark, spark off, touch off, trigger, trigger off, trip
2. leave
   • "The family took off for Florida"
   • synonyms: depart, part, set forth, set out, start, start out, take off
3. direct attention to, as if by means of contrast
   • "This dress accentuates your nice figure!"; "I set off these words by brackets"
   • synonyms: bring out
4. cause to burst with a violent release of energy
   • "We exploded the nuclear bomb"
   • synonyms: blow up, detonate, explode
5. make up for
   • "His skills offset his opponent's superior strength"
   • synonyms: cancel, offset
6. set in motion or cause to begin
   • "The guide set the tour off to a good start"
7. provoke or stir up
   • "incite a riot"; "set off great unrest among the people"
   • synonyms: incite, instigate, stir up