Also means
to unleash
Usage Note
Desencadenar literally means 'to unchain' (from cadena, chain) and figuratively means to trigger or set off a chain of events: desencadenar una crisis. The reflexive desencadenarse describes something breaking out spontaneously: se desencadenó una tormenta (a storm broke out).
Examples
"El accidente desencadenó una investigación policial."
Natural Translation
The accident triggered a police investigation.

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