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Definition of precipice

precipice

/ˈprɛs.ɪ.pɪs/
prec · i · pice
Adverb:precipitously
•
Plural:precipices
•
Adjective:precipitous
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precipice Lexical Profile

precipice Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A very steep, vertical, or overhanging rock face, cliff, or crag, typically found in mountainous or coastal terrain.

Example

"The hikers carefully peered over the edge of the rocky precipice into the misty canyon below."

2

A hazardous situation or critical point where a sudden, catastrophic failure, collapse, or crisis is imminent.

Example

"Decades of fiscal mismanagement pushed the company to the precipice of bankruptcy."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for precipice

• Nearby Words

precious
preciously
preciousness
precipice
precipitate
precipitation
precipitous

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French précipice, from Latin praecipitium ('a steep place'), derived from praeceps ('headlong, steep'), which combines prae- ('before') and caput ('head').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Precipice. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/precipice
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