Definitions of set off:

• verb:   set in motion or cause to begin
• verb:   direct attention to, as if by means of contrast

  Example: "I set off these words by brackets"

• verb:   make up for
• verb:   provoke or stir up

  Example: "Set off great unrest among the people"

• verb:   cause to explode
• verb:   put in motion or move to act
• verb:   leave