Source : WordNet®

set off
     v 1: put in motion or move to act; "trigger a reaction"; "actuate
          the circuits" [syn: {trip}, {actuate}, {trigger}, {activate},
           {spark off}, {spark}, {trigger off}, {touch off}]
     2: leave; "The family took off for Florida" [syn: {depart}, {part},
         {start}, {start out}, {set forth}, {set out}, {take off}]
     3: direct attention to, as if by means of contrast; "This dress
        accentuates your nice figure!"; "I set off these words by
        brackets" [syn: {bring out}]
     4: cause to explode; "We exploded the nuclear bomb" [syn: {explode},
         {detonate}, {blow up}]
     5: make up for; "His skills offset his opponent's superior
        strength" [syn: {cancel}, {offset}]
     6: set in motion or cause to begin; "The guide set the tour off
        to a good start"
     7: provoke or stir up; "incite a riot"; "set off great unrest
        among the people" [syn: {incite}, {instigate}, {stir up}]