Crossword Genius

Start to ignite? (3,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

set off

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This might be a double definition.

'start' is the first definition.
(synonyms)

'ignite?' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for set off that I've seen before include "'Leave on a journey (3,3)'" , "Commence journey or explode bomb" , "Depart" , "Begin journey or detonate bomb" , "Start journey or detonate bomb" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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