precipice

See also: précipice

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

First attested in 1598, from Middle French precipice, from Latin praecipitium (“a steep place”), from praeceps (“steep”), from prae + caput (“head”). First meaning of the noun is recorded from 1632.

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈpɹɛsɪpɪs/
  • IPA(key): /ˈpɹɛs.ə.pɪs/
  • Hyphenation: preci‧pice

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.

Synonyms

Translations
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Middle French

Noun

precipice m (plural precipices)

  1. precipice (steep cliff)
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