Overview of noun set_off

The noun setoff has 1 sense

• set-back, setoff, offset -- (structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly)

Overview of verb set_off

The verb set off has 7 senses

• trip, actuate, trigger, activate, set off, spark off, spark, trigger off, touch off -- (put in motion or move to act; "trigger a reaction"; "actuate the circuits")


• depart, part, start, start out, set forth, set off, set out, take off -- (leave; "The family took off for Florida")


• bring out, set off -- (direct attention to, as if by means of contrast; "This dress accentuates your nice figure!"; "I set off these words by brackets")


• explode, detonate, blow up, set off -- (cause to burst with a violent release of energy; "We exploded the nuclear bomb")


• cancel, offset, set off -- (make up for; "His skills offset his opponent's superior strength")


• set off -- (set in motion or cause to begin; "The guide set the tour off to a good start")


• incite, instigate, set off, stir up -- (provoke or stir up; "incite a riot"; "set off great unrest among the people")