SET OFF

{v.} 1. To decorate through contrast; balance by difference. * /The bright colors of the birds were set off by the white snow./ * /A small gold pin set off her plain dark dress./ 2. To balance; make somewhat equal. * /Her great wealth, as he thought, set off her plain face./ 3a. To begin to go. * /They set off for the West in a covered wagon./ Compare: SET OUT. 3b. To cause to begin. * /A letter from home set off an attack of homesickness./ * /An atomic explosion is created by setting off a chain reaction in the atom./ Compare: TOUCH OFF. 3c. To cause to explode. * /On July 4 we set off firecrackers in many places./