precipice

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See also: précipice

English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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First attested in 1598, from Middle French precipice, from Latin praecipitium (a steep place), from praeceps (steep), from prae + caput (head), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kap- (head).

Distantly related to English precept through Latin praecipiō (to teach), from prae + capiō (take), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kap-, *keh₂p- (to hold; to seize).

Pronunciation

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Noun

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precipice (plural precipices)

  1. A very steep cliff.
  2. (figurative) The brink of a dangerous situation.
    to stand on a precipice
    • 2022 September 14, Arthur Neslen, quoting Noam Chomsky, “Health groups call for global fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty”, in The Guardian[1]:
      In emailed comments supporting the new initiative, the laureate professor Noam Chomsky said: “Humans are marching towards a precipice. When we reach it, unthinkable catastrophe is inevitable. []
  3. (obsolete) A headlong fall or descent.

Synonyms

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Translations

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The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

Middle French

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Noun

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precipice m (plural precipices)

  1. precipice (steep cliff)