precipitate Definition
- 1to cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly
- 2to make a substance separate from a liquid and fall to the bottom of a container
Using precipitate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "precipitate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The announcement precipitated a crisis in the stock market.
Example
The sudden rainstorm precipitated a flood.
Example
Adding the chemical will precipitate a reaction.
Example
The disagreement between the two countries could precipitate a war.
precipitate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with precipitate
to separate from a liquid and fall to the bottom of a container
Example
The salt will precipitate out of the water if you leave it long enough.
to fall or move quickly and suddenly into a particular state or condition
Example
The country was in danger of precipitating into chaos.
to cause a sudden and serious problem
Example
The government's decision could precipitate a crisis in the economy.
Origins of precipitate
from Latin 'praecipitare', meaning 'to throw down headlong'
Summary: precipitate in Brief
The verb 'precipitate' [prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt] means to cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly, or to make a substance separate from a liquid and fall to the bottom of a container. Examples include 'The announcement precipitated a crisis in the stock market,' and 'Adding the chemical will precipitate a reaction.' The phrase 'precipitate out of' refers to separating from a liquid, while 'precipitate into' means to fall or move quickly and suddenly into a particular state or condition.
