to set off
131
3.1
- phrasal verb
- /sɛt ɔf/
:
provocar
- The unexpected results from the experiment set off a series of further inquiries.
- set off an alarm
- set off a reaction
- set off fireworks
So you can also see how shame sets off rage, sets off shame sets off rage.
- So you can also see how shame sets off rage, sets off shame sets off rage.
- We know that something gets set off and our metabolism changes.
- Or even if it could set off your mind into a catastrophe spin.
- And So what we think is that this the, the trigger is, is more easily set off, so to speak.
- So one question I have for you as you listen to this is what is the domino for you that sets off a sense of momentum?
- Overt narcissistic rage and anger are set off in the way that all narcissistic rage is set off through what we call an ego injury.
Examples
-
The hesitation was brief, but it set off warning bells in Sybill's head.
Fiction book (1999) -
The sudden noise set off the car alarm, causing everyone to look around.
-
- They set off the alarm.
-
Ultimately, many investments turned bad, which quickly set off a cycle of financial failures.
Academic text (2002) -
We could hear car alarms from a block away that were set off by this thing.
-
And that sets off a cascade that results in the release of insulin.
-
Although both measures were swiftly defeated, they set off rumblings across the country.
Academic text (1998) -
Gongs go off, firecrackers are set off, and a special flag is raised on the flagpole.
Fiction book (1991) -
Her comment about the project deadline set off a discussion among the team about their priorities.
Synonyms
715
3.6
To make a machine, system, or account start working
550
1.0
To make a machine or device start working
507
3.2
To cause something to start, often with a strong effect
422
4.2
To cause something to start or happen
154
3.4
To cause something to start, often an idea or strong feeling
123
1.0
To make a machine or light start working
55
3.5
Turn on a computer or other device so it starts working
36
6.9
To cause something bad to start
36
6.5
To make a switch or device start working by turning it on
32
1.6
To make a device like a light start working by pressing a button or moving a switch
25
3.5
To make something begin to move or happen
15
7.4
Make an event or strong reaction start suddenly
11
3.5
Cause a sudden change, for example by moving a small control to turn something on
9
6.0
Send out an event or signal so other parts can respond
1
3.9
To cause a sudden event or strong reaction to begin
1
5.1
To cause something to start suddenly
1
7.3
To make a machine start working
Antonyms
How Forceful
Surface Forms
Morphology
The sense 'to counterbalance or compensate' is not directly derivable from 'set' (to place or initiate) + 'off' (away), so an average B1 learner knowing the words would likely not predict this specific meaning. There is a loose metaphorical link (off as neutralizing or cancelling), and particle-verb patterns can signal altered meanings, so the relation is partially transparent but requires prior exposure.
Etymology
Set off may come from lighting a fuse or a firework: you set a light and it goes off with a bang, starting a chain of events. That is why it now means 'to cause something to start' or 'to trigger' an action.