Which definition best describes precipitate?

• A. Cause (something) to happen quickly, suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely before expected, warranted, needed, or desired
• B. To lift forcefully upward
• C. To slowly grow
• D. To stop suddenly

Answer: (B)

Precipitate here is about causing something to happen suddenly. The verb sense of precipitate means to bring about quickly, abruptly, or prematurely, so the best fit among the options describes triggering action in a swift, unplanned way. The other ideas refer to lifting upward, growing gradually, or stopping abruptly, which don’t capture the sense of hastening an event. (There is also a chemistry sense of a solid forming from a solution, but that meaning isn’t reflected in these choices.)