set off

/sˈɛt ˈɒf/

/sˈɛt ˈɔf/

[verb]

to set off

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

[phrase form: set]

to make something operate, especially by accident

synonyms : activate

to start a journey

synonyms : depart

to activate an alarm, a bomb, an explosive, etc.

synonyms : blow up

detonate

explode

direct attention to, as if by means of contrast

synonyms : bring out

to cause a series of events to happen, especially unintendedly

make up for

synonyms : cancel

offset

provoke or stir up

synonyms : incite

instigate

stir up

to cause someone to become angry, upset, or offended, often unintentionally

Examples

1. Check the oil and water before setting off.

2. Taking the bit between his teeth he set off across the plain with greater speed than the bones of his anatomy ever gave any promise of.

3. Every so often, Claire has itchy feet and sets off for a foreign destination.

4. The tree crashed through the conservatory and set off all the alarms, which joined with the sound of the gale to scare me out of my wits.

Nearby words