setoff

1 of 2

noun

set·​off ˈset-ˌȯf 

1

: something that is set off against another thing:

a

: decoration, ornament

b

: compensation, counterbalance

2

: the reduction or discharge of a debt or claim by setting against it a distinct claim in favor of the debtor or party who is the object of the first claim (as in a lawsuit)

also : the offsetting claim itself

3

: offset sense 3b

set off

2 of 2

verb

set off; setting off; sets off

transitive verb

1

a

: to put in relief : show up by contrast

b

: adorn, embellish

c

: to set apart : make distinct or outstanding

2

a

: offset, compensate

more variety in the Lancashire weather to set off its most disagreeable phases

—Geog. Jour.

b

: to make a setoff of

the respective totals shall be set off against one another

—O. R. Hobson

3

a

: to set in motion : cause to begin

b

: to cause to explode

4

: to measure off on a surface

intransitive verb

: to start out on a course or a journey

set off for home

Synonyms

Noun

• ornament
• ornamentation
• decoration
• garnishment
• adornment

Verb

• trigger
• activate
• spark
• drive
• power
• move
• turn on

Examples of setoff in a Sentence

Noun

the architect used stone carvings as setoffs for the building's marble facing

Verb

set off a bomb

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

That setoff a worldwide hunt for the impact site. —Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2019

Verb

Santos Neto thrived in his band from 1977 to 1992 before setting off to hone his own, similarly expansive, body of tunes. —Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 25 June 2025

Pulled along by Valérie like a recalcitrant puppy, Richard sets off on a quest to find the missing man, who may have ties to the Sicilian Mafia. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 25 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

set off

verb

1

a

: to cause to show up clearly

bright flowers set off by dark shadows

b

: to separate from others : make noticeable

a direct quotation set off by quotation marks

2

a

: to cause to go off or explode

set off an alarm

set off a firecracker

b

: to cause to start : begin

set an argument off by your remarks

3

: to start out on a course or a trip

set off for home

set off in a boat

Legal Definition

set-off

1 of 2 noun

ˈset-ˌȯf

1

: the reduction or discharge of a debt by setting against it a claim in favor of the debtor

specifically : the reduction or discharge of a party's debt or claim by an assertion of another claim arising out of another transaction or cause of action against the other party

2

a

: a right to seek reduction or discharge of a debt or claim by countering a party's claim with an independent claim

b

: a counterclaim made by a defendant against a plaintiff for reduction or discharge of a debt by reason of an independent debt owed by the plaintiff to the defendant compare recoupment sense 2

set off

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to reduce or discharge by set-off : offset