Definitions for set off

Definitions for (verb) set off

Main entry: explode, blow up, detonate, set off

Definition: cause to burst with a violent release of energy

Usage: We exploded the nuclear bomb


Main entry: set off

Definition: set in motion or cause to begin

Usage: The guide set the tour off to a good start


Main entry: set off, bring out

Definition: direct attention to, as if by means of contrast

Usage: This dress accentuates your nice figure!; I set off these words by brackets


Main entry: set off, incite, instigate, stir up

Definition: provoke or stir up

Usage: incite a riot; set off great unrest among the people


Main entry: set off, spark, spark off, activate, actuate, trigger, trigger off, trip, touch off

Definition: put in motion or move to act

Usage: trigger a reaction; actuate the circuits


Main entry: depart, part, start, start out, set forth, set off, set out, take off

Definition: leave

Usage: The family took off for Florida


Main entry: offset, set off, cancel

Definition: make up for

Usage: His skills offset his opponent's superior strength


Visual thesaurus for set off