set off vs detonate

set off and detonate both are verbs.

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

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

Other synonyms of set off include blow up, explode.

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