set off

/sɛɾ ɑf/

/sɛt ɒf/

Other forms: setting off; sets off

Definitions of set off
  1. verb
    direct attention to, as if by means of contrast
    “I set off these words by brackets”
    synonyms: bring out
    see moresee less
    types:
    pick up
    lift out or reflect from a background
    foreground, highlight, play up, spotlight
    move into the foreground to make more visible or prominent
    raise
    bring (a surface or a design) into relief and cause to project
    type of:
    accent, accentuate, emphasise, emphasize, punctuate, stress
    to stress, single out as important
  2. verb
    set in motion or cause to begin
    see moresee less
    type of:
    begin, commence, lead off, start
    set in motion, cause to start
  3. verb
    put in motion or move to act
    synonyms: activate, actuate, spark, spark off, touch off, trigger, trigger off, trip
    see moresee less
    type of:
    initiate, pioneer
    take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of
  4. verb
    provoke or stir up
    “set off great unrest among the people”
    synonyms: incite, instigate, stir up
    see moresee less
    types:
    raise
    activate or stir up
    type of:
    provoke, stimulate
    provide the needed stimulus for
  5. verb
    cause to burst with a violent release of energy
    synonyms: blow up, detonate, explode
    see moresee less
    types:
    fulminate
    cause to explode violently and with loud noise
    dynamite
    blow up with dynamite
    type of:
    change integrity
    change in physical make-up
  6. verb
    make up for
    synonyms: cancel, offset
    see moresee less
    types:
    counteract, counterbalance, countervail, neutralize
    oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions
    override
    counteract the normal operation of (an automatic gear shift in a vehicle)
    type of:
    balance, equilibrate, equilibrise, equilibrize
    bring into balance or equilibrium
  7. verb
    leave
    synonyms: depart, part, set forth, set out, start, start out, take off
    see moresee less
    types:
    show 4 types...
    hide 4 types...
    lift off, take off
    depart from the ground
    roar off
    leave
    blaze, blaze out
    move rapidly and as if blazing
    sally forth, sally out
    set out in a sudden, energetic or violent manner
    type of:
    go away, go forth, leave
    go away from a place
Pronunciation
US

/sɛɾ ɑf/
UK

/sɛt ɒf/
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘set off'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing set off

Language and Grammar - Middle School

If you want to be a grammar guru, it's imperative that you capitalize on this list. Learn about punctuation, parts of speech, types of sentences, and more. This list is sure to help you develop superlative knowledge of language and grammar. Period.

Language and Grammar - High School

If you want to be a grammar guru, it's imperative that you capitalize on this list. Learn about punctuation, parts of speech, types of sentences, and more. This list is sure to help you develop superlative knowledge of language and grammar. Period.

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