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• set off
  set off

  verb

  (intr) to embark on a journey
• set-off
  set-off

  noun

  printing a fault in which ink is transferred from a heavily inked or undried printed sheet to the sheet next to it in a pile

set off

¹ British  

verb

1. (intr) to embark on a journey

2. (tr) to cause (a person) to act or do something, such as laugh or tell stories

3. (tr) to cause to explode

4. (tr) to act as a foil or contrast to, esp so as to improve

   that brooch sets your dress off well

5. (tr) accounting to cancel a credit on (one account) against a debit on another, both of which are in the name of the same person, enterprise, etc

6. (intr) to bring a claim by way of setoff

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noun

1. anything that serves as a counterbalance

2. anything that serves to contrast with or enhance something else; foil

3. another name for setback See set back

4. a counterbalancing debt or claim offered by a debtor against a creditor

5. a cross claim brought by a debtor that partly offsets the creditor's claim See also counterclaim

set-off ² British  

noun

1. Also called (esp Brit): offset.  printing a fault in which ink is transferred from a heavily inked or undried printed sheet to the sheet next to it in a pile

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set off Idioms  

1. Give rise to, cause to occur, as in The acid set off a chemical reaction . [Early 1600s]

2. Cause to explode, as in They set off a bomb . [Late 1800s]

3. Distinguish, show to be different, contrast with, as in That black coat sets him off from the others in the picture , or Italics set this sentence off from the rest of the text . [Late 1500s]

4. Enhance, make more attractive, as in That color sets off her blonde hair . [Early 1600s]

5. Begin a journey, leave, as in When do you set off for Europe? [Second half of 1700s]

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Example Sentences

Footage on social media appeared to show fireworks being set off as officers in riot gear attended the scene.

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2026

I am habitually wary of super-intense fandoms and the men who inspire them; stadiums filled with people chanting a single name inevitably set off internal alarm bells.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2026

The move set off an uproar among soccer fans across the world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 6, 2026

A post-game fireworks show went awry at BMO Stadium on Friday night, when fireworks set off on the playing pitch sent flares streaming into the stands, forcing fans to scatter to safety.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 5, 2026

A bitter Jackson set off for the White House, believing that the vicious attacks on his wife had caused her death and vowing revenge on his political opponents.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

Related Words

• add to
• aggravate
• boost
• build up
• deepen
• enhance
• escalate
• exacerbate
• heat up
• heighten
• increase
• quicken
• raise
• redouble
• reinforce
• sharpen
• step up
• strengthen