The verb is pronounced /prɪsɪpəteɪt/. The adjective is pronounced /prɪsɪpɪtət/.
( precipitating, precipitated)
1.
If something precipitates an event or situation, usually a bad one, it causes it to happen suddenly or sooner than normal. ( FORMAL )
The killings in Vilnius have precipitated the worst crisis yet...
A slight mistake could precipitate a disaster.
= bring about
VERB : V n , V n
2.
A precipitate action or decision happens or is made more quickly or suddenly than most people think is sensible. ( FORMAL )
I don’t think we should make precipitate decisions...
= hasty
ADJ : usu ADJ n
• pre‧cipi‧tate‧ly
Somebody hired from another country is not likely to resign precipitately...
ADV : ADV with v