precipitate
To cause something to happen suddenly or sooner than expected
Examples
In a meeting
“The security breach precipitated an immediate review of all our protocols.”
Over coffee
“His rude comment precipitated an argument that lasted all evening.”
Why this word
cause
cause is neutral about timing, while precipitate means to cause something to happen suddenly or prematurely
trigger
trigger implies setting off a reaction, while precipitate emphasizes causing something to happen abruptly or hastily
hasten
hasten means to speed up something already in motion, while precipitate means to cause something to happen suddenly or ahead of time
Usage tip
Use when an action triggers a sudden, often unwanted consequence. Implies unexpected speed or urgency in the outcome.
Etymology
Latin 'praecipitare' from 'praeceps' (headlong, steep)
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Related words
prompt
To cause or encourage an action or response
accelerate
To speed up a process or increase the pace
ascribe
To attribute something to a particular cause or source
attribute
To identify something as being caused by or belonging to a particular source
expeditious
Done quickly and efficiently
accelerating
Speed up the pace or progress of something