Meaning of the word "set off" in English

What does "set off" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

set off

US /set ˈɔːf/

UK /set ˈɔːf/

to start a journey

Example:

•

We decided to set off early to avoid traffic.

•

They set off on their adventure with great excitement.

Synonym:

depart embark leave start out head off

to cause something to happen or begin

Example:

•

The loud noise set off the car alarm.

•

His comments set off a heated debate.

Synonym:

trigger activate initiate spark provoke

to make something, especially a bomb, explode

Example:

•

The engineers carefully set off the old bridge with explosives.

•

The fireworks were set off at midnight.

Synonym:

detonate explode ignite blast

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