precipitate (C1)
verb
Pronunciation: /prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/
Definition
To cause an event or situation, usually a bad one, to happen suddenly and sooner than expected.
Examples
The assassination of the archduke precipitated World War I.
The company's stock price fell, precipitating a crisis.
A lack of rain can precipitate a drought.
How to Use precipitate
- precipitate a crisis (collocation)
- To cause a serious or dangerous situation to happen suddenly. — "The scandal could precipitate a political crisis."
- precipitate an event (collocation)
- To cause a specific occurrence to happen suddenly. — "The discovery of the evidence precipitated a new investigation."
- precipitate into (prepositional phrase)
- To suddenly move or fall into a particular state or situation. — "The country precipitated into civil war after the election."
Synonyms of precipitate
Words with a similar meaning to precipitate:
Antonyms of precipitate
Words with the opposite meaning to precipitate:
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