setoff

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noun set·off \ ˈset-ˌȯf \

Definition of setoff

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 7a

Examples of setoff in a Sentence

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

First Known Use of setoff

1621

setoff Synonyms

Synonyms

adornment, beautifier, caparison, doodad, embellisher, embellishment, frill, garnish, garnishment, garniture, ornament, ornamentation, decoration, trim

Near Antonyms

blemish, defacement, disfigurement, scar; blot, spot, stain

set off

verb

Definition of set 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

See set off defined for kids

First Known Use of set off

circa 1598

set off Synonyms

Synonyms

actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, activate, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on

Antonyms

cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off

Related Words

kick over, turn over; charge, electrify, energize, fire, fuel, generate, power, push; discharge, launch, release, switch, trip; reactivate, recharge; arouse, excite, jump-start, kick-start, stimulate, vitalize; ignite, incite, instigate, provoke, quicken, stir up; accelerate, catalyze, speed (up), step up

Near Antonyms

arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop; decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppress

Law Dictionary

set-off

noun \ ˈset-ˌȯf \

legal Definition of set-off

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 2