Definition of 'set off'

Verb

1. put in motion or move to act; "trigger a reaction"; "actuate the circuits"
      Synonyms: trip actuate trigger activate spark off spark trigger off touch off
2. leave; "The family took off for Florida"
      Synonyms: depart part start start out set forth set 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: explode detonate blow up
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

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