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

… certain types of debt may be set off, one against the other, to the effect of extinguishing one and reducing the other.

—James W. Coull and Eric W. Merry

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 of setoff

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 fast-moving timeline that will ultimately determine if third graders who fall short on the test will move on to fourth grade or be held back. —Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

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

Verb

That set off a furor that prompted Congress to pass legislation demanding that the Justice Department release the files. —Arkansas Online, 5 Mar. 2026

Investors should avoid acting hastily, as markets tend to bounce back even in a time of war, Jeff Sommer advised in a column for The New York Times, while noting that there is still a risk the crisis sets off a recession. —Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 5 Mar. 2026

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