set off
Third Person
sets off
Present Participle
setting off
Past Tense
set off
Past Participle
set off
1
to make something operate, especially by accident
transitive
- Please don't set off the car alarm while I'm inside; the keys are on the seat.
- She set the security system off by entering the wrong access code.
- He accidentally set off the fire alarm when he burnt toast in the office kitchen.
- The children's curiosity about the big red button set the alarm off in the science museum.
- She mistakenly set off the sprinkler system while working on the garden.
2
to start a journey
- We'll set off on our cross-country journey early in the morning to avoid traffic.
- The family set off for their vacation in the mountains, filled with excitement.
- The explorers set off for the jungle, equipped with supplies and a sense of wonder.
- After breakfast, the hikers set off on the trail, ready for a day of exploration.
- The cyclists set off on their long ride through the countryside, enjoying the fresh air.
3
to activate a bomb, an explosive, etc.
- The demolition expert carefully set the explosives off to bring down the old building.
- They set off the fireworks display at the stroke of midnight to celebrate the New Year.
- The terrorist tried to set the bomb off, but it malfunctioned, preventing a disaster.
- The soldier defused the explosive device, ensuring it wouldn't set off unintentionally.
- The explosion set off a chain reaction, causing widespread damage.
4
to complement the appearance of something, making it look more appealing
transitive
- The dress you're wearing really sets off your eyes.
- The arrangement of flowers on the table sets off the dining area beautifully.
- The stylish shoes you're wearing set off the entire outfit with flair.
- The artwork on the wall sets off the entire ambiance of the restaurant.
- That hairstyle sets off your facial features in a flattering way.
Synonyms:
5
to be the first cause of a chain of events, actions, or reactions that unfold unexpectedly
transitive
- Her comments about the topic set off a heated debate among the participants.
- The unexpected news set off a wave of shock and concern among the community.
- The politician's remarks during the speech set off a flurry of criticism in the media.
- The sudden cancellation of the event set off disappointment among the attendees.
- Please avoid discussing that sensitive topic; it might set off an argument.
6
to subtract certain expenses from one's tax amount
transitive
- By carefully documenting their business expenses, entrepreneurs can set off a significant portion of their taxable income.
- Homeowners often find that mortgage interest and property tax deductions can help set off the overall cost of owning a house.
- Investors can set off capital losses against capital gains to reduce their tax liability.
- Self-employed individuals can set off expenses related to their home office against their self-employment income when filing taxes.
- Charitable donations can be used to set off your taxable income, encouraging philanthropic giving.
7
to intentionally provoke a reaction or response
transitive
- The news of the scandal set off widespread outrage among the public.
- The controversial decision set off a wave of criticism from various stakeholders.
- The sudden announcement set off a frenzy of speculation and rumors.
- The misleading statement set off a storm of confusion and misinformation.
- The tragic incident set off a period of mourning and reflection in the community.