set off vs instigate

set off and instigate both are verbs.

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

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

Other synonyms of set off include incite, stir up.

set off (verb)	instigate (verb)
cause to burst with a violent release of energy	provoke or stir up
set in motion or cause to begin	serve as the inciting cause of
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