desencadenar
verbCEFR B2
What does “desencadenar” mean in English?
to trigger, to set off
to trigger, to set off (desencadenar + noun — cause a chain reaction or crisis to begin)
Example sentences
La publicación del informe desencadenó una crisis política que acabó con la dimisión del ministro.
The publication of the report triggered a political crisis that ended with the resignation of the minister.
Las tormentas tropicales que se desencadenaron en la costa dejaron cientos de personas sin hogar.
The tropical storms that broke out on the coast left hundreds of people homeless.
Sus declaraciones desencadenaron una oleada de críticas que se extendió durante semanas por las redes sociales.
His statements triggered a wave of criticism that spread across social media for weeks.
How to use it
Desencadenar means 'to trigger' or 'to set off'. It implies that one event unleashes a chain reaction: la publicación desencadenó una crisis (the publication triggered a crisis). The reflexive desencadenarse means 'to break out/erupt': una tormenta se desencadenó (a storm broke out). At B2, it is one of the most important verbs for expressing causation in complex events. Near-synonyms: provocar (cause — more general), detonar (detonate — more explosive metaphor), suscitar (arouse/stir up — milder).
Common mistake
Desencadenar (trigger a chain reaction) is more specific than causar (cause) or provocar (cause/provoke) — it implies the release of something that then grows beyond the initial cause. The reflexive desencadenarse is used when no agent is specified: la crisis se desencadenó. Use provocar for simpler causation and desencadenar for cascading effects.