precipitate
UK: /prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/ | US: /prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/
vt. 1. to cause (an event or situation) to happen suddenly or unexpectedly
vt. 2. to cause (a substance) to be deposited in solid form from a solution
vi. 3. to fall or be thrown headlong
adj. 4. done with excessive haste or without due consideration
n. 5. a substance deposited from a solution or suspension
The word "precipitate" originates from Latin praecipitare, meaning "to throw headlong," derived from praeceps ("headfirst"). The morpheme pre- (before) combines with cipit (from caput, "head"), reflecting the idea of rushing forward without caution. Over time, it expanded to describe sudden chemical reactions (solid deposition) and hasty actions, retaining the core notion of abruptness.
The economic crisis precipitated widespread unemployment.
Adding salt will precipitate the dissolved protein.
The climber lost footing and precipitated down the cliff.
His precipitate decision led to avoidable mistakes.
The test tube contained a white precipitate after mixing the solutions.