precipice

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Synonyms 1.2.2 Related terms 1.2.3 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

First attested in 1598, from Latin præcipitium (“‘a steep place’”), from præceps (“‘steep’”), from præ- (“‘forth’”) + caput (“‘head’”). First meaning of the noun is recorded from 1632.

[edit] Noun

precipice (plural precipices)

1. A very steep cliff.
   • 1719- Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe

     I resolved to remove my tent from the place where it stood, which was just under the hanging precipice of the hill; and which, if it should be shaken again, would certainly fall upon my tent...

2. The brink of a dangerous situation.

   to stand on a precipice

3. (obsolete) A headlong fall or descent.

[edit] Synonyms

• cliff

[edit] Related terms

• precipitous
• precipitously
• precipitousness

[edit] Translations