set off

To leave a place and begin a journey.

• We set off at six.
• She set off for Paris yesterday.
• Shall we set off before the roads get busy?

How to use it: set off for somewhere (We set off for the coast before sunrise.); set off on something (They set off on a three-day hike.)

Similar words: set out, leave, depart

Opposites: arrive

Common phrases: set off early, set off for London, set off on foot

To cause an event, process, or reaction to start.

• The smoke set off the alarm.
• His remark set off a long argument.
• Could this decision set off another financial crisis?

How to use it: set off something (The announcement set off a wave of protests.); set something off (The smoke set it off.)

Similar words: trigger, cause, start

Common phrases: set off an alarm, set off a reaction, set off an argument

To make a bomb, firework, or similar object explode.

• They set off some fireworks.
• The soldiers set off the explosive charge from a safe distance.
• Who set off that firework outside our window?

How to use it: set off something (They set off fireworks beside the river.); set something off (A timer was used to set it off.)

Similar words: detonate, explode, let off

Common phrases: set off fireworks, set off a bomb, set off explosives

To make someone suddenly begin laughing, crying, talking, or doing something similar.

• That joke set us all off.
• Her message set him off crying again.
• The dust set me off sneezing for several minutes.

How to use it: set someone off doing something (His silly hat set us all off laughing.); set someone off (That sad song always sets me off.)

Similar words: start someone off

Common phrases: set someone off, set off laughing

To make someone angry, often causing them to complain or shout.

• That comment set her off.
• Mentioning the bill will set Dad off again.
• What set him off this time?

How to use it: set someone off (Even a small complaint can set him off.)

Similar words: anger, provoke, infuriate

Opposites: calm, soothe

Common phrases: set someone off, set off your boss

To make something look more attractive or noticeable by placing something different beside or around it.

• That scarf sets off your eyes.
• White cushions set off the dark sofa.
• The necklace was beautifully set off by her simple black dress.

How to use it: set off something (The dark frame sets off the pale painting.); be set off by something (Her green eyes were set off by her red hair.)

Similar words: enhance, complement, highlight

Common phrases: set off your eyes, set off a dress, set something off