precipitate
pruh-SIP-ih-tayt
/prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/
To cause something to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.
As a verb, it implies a causal link where one event triggers another to happen faster than it otherwise would.
The story behind the word. Derived from 'prae-' (before) and 'caput' (head). It literally means to dive head-first. In chemistry, it describes a solid forming suddenly out of a liquid solution, 'falling' to the bottom.
Word relationships
- trigger: 'Trigger' is more common and neutral; 'precipitate' is formal and often implies a headlong rush into a negative state.
- hasten: 'Hasten' means to make something happen faster, but lacks the 'suddenness' of 'precipitate'.
- delay: To put off until a later time.
- retard: To slow down the progress or development of something.
Commonly confused with
- catalyst: A 'catalyst' is the agent that causes the change; 'precipitate' is the action of causing that change to happen.
Word family
- precipitation (noun): Rain/snow, or the act of causing something to happen quickly.
- precipitous (adjective): Dangerously high or steep; done suddenly and without care.
Collocations
- precipitate a crisis
- precipitate a fall
- precipitate action
Example sentences
- "The incident served to precipitate the crisis." Historical analysis of a crisis.
- "The sudden tax hike could precipitate a recession if consumer spending drops too quickly." A financial market reaction.
Memory hook
Think of someone falling 'head-first' (caput) into a situation. They are precipitating it. Head-first into a crisis.
When not to use
Avoid using this for positive, slow-building events; it usually carries a connotation of crisis or rashness.
Fun facts
- The same word is used for rain and snow because they are water 'falling' out of the sky suddenly.
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