detonate vs set off

detonate and set off both are verbs.

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

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

Other synonyms of detonate include blow up, explode.

detonate (verb)	set off (verb)
cause to burst with a violent release of energy	cause to burst with a violent release of energy
burst and release energy as through a violent chemical or physical reaction	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