precipitate

Definition

To make something happen suddenly and quickly.

Etymology

From Latin praecipitātus, perfect passive participle of praecipitō (“throw down, hurl down, throw headlong”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) for more), from praeceps (“head foremost, headlong”) (praecipit- in its oblique stem), from prae (“before”) + -ceps (“headed”).

Example Sentences

• "to precipitate a journey, or a conflict"
• "it precipitated their success"
• "if they be stout and daring, it may precipitate their designs, and prove dangerous"

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