precipitate
This word carries a heavy sense of acceleration and suddenness. When used as a verb regarding events, it suggests a catalyst that pushes a latent situation into an active, often negative, state. It is a formal term frequently found in political analysis, historical accounts, or scientific reports.
Meanings
To cause an event or situation to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.
The sudden stock market crash precipitated a global financial crisis.
To cause a substance to be deposited in solid form from a solution.
The chemist added a reagent to precipitate the silver from the liquid.
Examples
The sudden stock market crash precipitated a global financial crisis.
The chemist added a reagent to precipitate the silver from the liquid.
Water vapor precipitates as snow in colder climates.
The company made a precipitate decision to sell its assets.
Phrasal Verbs
precipitate out
to separate from a liquid solution as a solid precipitate
The protein began to precipitate out of the solution as the pH level dropped.