Definition of "set off" in English

Verb

1. To leave; to set out; to begin a journey or trip.

   • He set off in search of better opportunities.

2. To begin; to cause; to initiate.

   • I had no idea that one simple comment would set off such a huge argument.

3. To cause to explode, let off.

   • What a tragedy, that someone would set off a bomb in a crowded place.

4. To put into an angry mood; to start (a person) ranting or sulking, etc.

   • Don't set him off or he won't shut up all day.

5. To enhance by emphasizing differences.

   • Her plain white dress was set off by a bright red stole.

6. To offset, to compensate for: to reduce the effect of, by having a contrary effect.

   • My taxes did not increase because the amount of my raise was set off by my losses in the stock market.

7. To deface or soil the next sheet; said of the ink on a freshly printed sheet, when another sheet comes in contact with it before it has had time to dry.