actuate vs set off

actuate and set off both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
actuate	No	No	Yes	No
set off	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, actuate and set off are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of actuate include activate, spark, spark off, touch off, trigger, trigger off, trip.

actuate (verb)	set off (verb)
put in motion or move to act	cause to burst with a violent release of energy
give an incentive for action	set in motion or cause to begin
	direct attention to, as if by means of contrast
	provoke or stir up
	put in motion or move to act
	depart for someplace
	make up for