precipitate
verb C2
Plain meaning
to cause something to happen suddenly or sooner than expected
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe to cause something to happen suddenly or sooner than expected, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalThe team tried to precipitate the problem before it became serious.
examThe report argues that institutions should precipitate ineffective practices through evidence-based reform.
Common collocations
precipitate a proposalprecipitate the issueprecipitate in practice
Watch out
Do not use “precipitate” with every object. Check the object that follows it and avoid using it when a simpler verb is more natural.
Word family
precipitation (noun)precipitous (adjective)