Precipitate/prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/2Unexpected Speed Emphasizes how quickly and surprisingly an event occurs after the verb is used. Their heated argument precipitated the team's breakup. Pro Tip 2/2Catalyst for Events Indicates the verb is an activator for a chain of events, not just a single occurrence. The new trade law may precipitate an economic downturn.