precipitate
1pre·cip·i·tate
verb \pri-ˈsi-pə-ˌtāt\pre·cip·i·tat·edpre·cip·i·tat·ing
Definition of PRECIPITATE
transitive verb
1
a : to throw violently : hurl <the quandaries into which the release of nuclear energy has precipitated mankind — A. B. Arons> b : to throw down
2
: to bring about especially abruptly <precipitate a scandal that would end with his expulsion — John Cheever>
3
a : to cause to separate from solution or suspension b : to cause (vapor) to condense and fall or deposit
intransitive verb
1
a : to fall headlong b : to fall or come suddenly into some condition
2
: to move or act with violent or unwise speed
3
a : to separate from solution or suspension b : to condense from a vapor and fall as rain or snow
— pre·cip·i·ta·tive \-ˌtā-tiv\ adjective
— pre·cip·i·ta·tor \-ˌtā-tər\ noun
Examples of PRECIPITATE
- Her death precipitated a family crisis.
- The budget problem was precipitated by many unexpected costs.
- minerals that precipitate from seawater
- When Achilles is informed by his mother, the sea-goddess Thetis, that vanquishing Hector on the battlefield will precipitate his own demise, he unhesitatingly opts for the gusto. —Mark Leyner, Time, 13 Nov. 2000
- The vast room darkens. The videotape … begins on two identical screens set high above the nave. The soaring lyrics of LeeAnn Rimes's “How Do I Live (Without You)” precipitate a collective tension and welling, repressed tearfulness. —Jayne Anne Phillips, Harper's, November 1998
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Origin of PRECIPITATE
Latin praecipitatus, past participle of praecipitare, from praecipit-, praeceps (see precipice)
First Known Use: 1528
Related to PRECIPITATE
Rhymes with PRECIPITATE
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