set off set off /sɛt ɔf/

verb

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