as in triggering
to cause to function
set off a bomb
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Recent Examples of setting off
In 2018, the company had a viral moment when the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, wore their jeans at a public event, setting off a frenzy that spiked demand and overwhelmed the tiny operation of around 20 employees at the time.
—
Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
In the cold and austere German winter (a far cry from Dakar’s physical and cultural warmth), an anxious Nourou acts up outside a hotel and is accosted by a Polish security guard, setting off a minor chain reaction in which Maja intervenes on his behalf, much to his chagrin.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
That’s because, after nearly a week of staying silent, Kimmel is finally expected to address Disney’s decision to suspend his show last Wednesday, setting off a free speech firestorm.
—Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
Meta’s partner EssilorLuxottica initially hesitated to put the Ray-Ban brand on the display glasses, setting off a race for the social network to win over its longtime partner.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2025
In Europe, tariffs aren’t the only thing setting off a wave of consolidation.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
In the finale, Rick shoots Jim, setting off a line of crossfire that ultimately kills his girlfriend Chelsea (Amy Lou Wood) before Sritala (Lek Patravadi) reveals that Jim was actually Rick’s father.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
One of his owners had gotten home from work and didn’t see him, setting off a search for clues.
—Simone Jasper, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025
Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
In the cold and austere German winter (a far cry from Dakar’s physical and cultural warmth), an anxious Nourou acts up outside a hotel and is accosted by a Polish security guard, setting off a minor chain reaction in which Maja intervenes on his behalf, much to his chagrin.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025
Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
That’s because, after nearly a week of staying silent, Kimmel is finally expected to address Disney’s decision to suspend his show last Wednesday, setting off a free speech firestorm.
—Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
Meta’s partner EssilorLuxottica initially hesitated to put the Ray-Ban brand on the display glasses, setting off a race for the social network to win over its longtime partner.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2025
In Europe, tariffs aren’t the only thing setting off a wave of consolidation.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
In the finale, Rick shoots Jim, setting off a line of crossfire that ultimately kills his girlfriend Chelsea (Amy Lou Wood) before Sritala (Lek Patravadi) reveals that Jim was actually Rick’s father.
—Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
One of his owners had gotten home from work and didn’t see him, setting off a search for clues.
—Simone Jasper, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for setting off
Verb
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The government has challenged the ruling, triggering a lengthy appeals process — highly unusual in immigration cases that don’t involve serious crimes.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
3 Oct. 2025
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The game’s loot box mechanics — while not exclusive to EA — also led to backlash from gamers, triggering European regulators to investigate whether the feature constituted gambling.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This includes continuing to donate 5 percent of our profits to a range of organizations and activating our long-standing tradition of local volunteerism.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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With the sun shining in your sign until September 22 and both eclipses activating your axis of self and relationships, this month pushes you into taking initiative in your life.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In July 2025, more than 200 farmworkers were detained during a mass ICE raid in Camarillo, California, where one worker died in custody, sparking protests and federal review.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Oct. 2025
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The conversation quickly went viral, sparking debate over whether Newton’s request was reasonable or invasive.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Oct. 2025
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In bodycam footage provided by Ory, the gold truck's driver said the woman driving the car behind him caused the wreck after pulling into the other lane to avoid colliding with the back of the truck.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The 38-year-old woman now held at Sacramento County Main Jail, allegedly struck her husband with a vacuum cord before turning on her 10-year-old, beating the child with a metal pole.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
2 Oct. 2025
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The game could be categorized as a slugfest that showed both teams matching punch for punch, with Bishop Feehan (3-1) turning on the gas late and pulling away for the victory.—
Erik Anderson,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Williams said, touching off laughter.—
Tom Murphy,
Arkansas Online,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Hurts then hit Jahan Dotson for 24 yards, moving the Eagles to the Denver 29-yard line with nine seconds left.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
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In a positive sign, Nunoo was moving his hands and fingers, according to Sutton.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Setting off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/setting%20off. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
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