I. pri-ˈsi-pə-ˌtāt verb
( -tat·ed ; -tat·ing )
Etymology: Latin praecipitatus, past participle of praecipitare, from praecipit-, praeceps
Date: 1528
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 precipitately
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
II. pri-ˈsi-pə-tət, -ˌtāt noun
Etymology: New Latin praecipitatum, from Latin, neuter of praecipitatus
Date: 1594
1. : a substance separated from a solution or suspension by chemical or physical change usually as an insoluble amorphous or crystalline solid
2. : a product, result, or outcome of some process or action
III. pri-ˈsi-pə-tət adjective
Date: 1615
1.
a. : falling, flowing, or rushing with steep descent
b. : precipitous , steep
2. : exhibiting violent or unwise speed
• pre·cip·i·tate·ly adverb
• pre·cip·i·tate·ness noun
Synonyms:
precipitate , headlong , abrupt , impetuous , sudden mean showing undue haste or unexpectedness. precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action
the army's precipitate withdrawal
headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought
a headlong flight from arrest
abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony
an abrupt refusal
impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness
an impetuous lover proposing marriage
sudden stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action
flew into a sudden rage