Set off — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb

Meaning & Definition of Set off

Set off (verb)

  1. to put in relief, show up by contrast
  2. adorn, embellish
  3. to set apart, make distinct or outstanding

Set off (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause to function

    "set off a bomb"

    similar: activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on
    related: kick over, turn over, charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push, discharge, launch, release, switch, trip, reactivate, recharge, arouse, excite, jump-start, kick-start, stimulate, vitalize, ignite, incite, instigate, provoke, quicken, stir up, accelerate, catalyze, speed (up), step up
    opposite: cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off
    near: arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop, decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppress

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Set off

The most common words with a similar meaning to Set off:

activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Set off

Words with the opposite meaning of Set off:

cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off

Related Words for Set off

kick over, turn over, charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push, discharge, launch, release, switch, trip, reactivate, recharge, arouse, excite, jump-start, kick-start, stimulate, vitalize, ignite, incite, instigate, provoke, quicken, stir up, accelerate

Near Antonyms of Set off

arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop, decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppress

Word Forms of Set off

Inflections: setting off, sets off

Origin & Etymology of Set off

First known use: circa 1598t

Frequently Asked Questions about Set off

What does "Set off" mean?

"Set off" means to put in relief, show up by contrast. As a verb, it is defined as: to put in relief, show up by contrast.

What is another word for "Set off"?

Other words for "Set off" include activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, spark and start. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Set off" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Set off"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Set off". Common alternatives include activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, spark, start, touch off and trigger.

What is the opposite of "Set off"?

Antonyms of "Set off" include cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off and turn off. Near antonyms include arrest, brake, check and cut off.

How do you use "Set off" in a sentence?

Examples of "Set off" in a sentence: "set off a bomb".

Is "Set off" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Set off" is a verb.

What is the origin of the word "Set off"?

First known use: circa 1598t.

What is another word for "Set off" meaning "to cause to function"?

When "Set off" (verb) means to cause to function, synonyms include activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move and run. Opposites in this sense include cut, cut out, deactivate and kill.