set off vs actuate

set off and actuate both are verbs.

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

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

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

set off (verb)	actuate (verb)
cause to burst with a violent release of energy	put in motion or move to act
set in motion or cause to begin	give an incentive for action
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