Definition of setoff
(Entry 1 of 2)
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
verb
set off; setting off; sets off
Definition of set off (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: to put in relief : show up by contrast
c
: to set apart : make distinct or outstanding
2a
: 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
3a
: to set in motion : cause to begin
b
: to cause to explode
4
: to measure off on a surface
: to start out on a course or a journey
set off for home
Test Your Vocabulary
Odd Habits and Quirks
-
- Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share setoff
Time Traveler for setoff
The first known use of setoff was circa 1598
See more words from the same year