Release putting clans up in chaos (7)
I believe the answer is:
unclasp
'release' is the definition.
(unclasping is a kind of releasing)
'clans up in chaos' is the wordplay.
'in chaos' is an anagram indicator.
'clans'+'up'='clansup'
'clansup' anagrammed gives 'UNCLASP'.
'putting' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for unclasp that I've seen before include "Detach (necklace, belt, etc)" , "Unfasten" , "Open - release from grip" , "Loosen grip on" , "let go" .)