#1 set off v. put in motion or move to act; "trigger a reaction"; "actuate the circuits". wn #2 set off v. leave; "The family took off for Florida". wn #3 set off v. direct attention to, as if by means of contrast; "This dress accentuates your nice figure!"; "I set off these words by brackets". wn #4 set off v. cause to burst with a violent release of energy; "We exploded the nuclear bomb". wn #5 set off v. make up for; "His skills offset his opponent's superior strength". wn