Definitions of precipitate:

• noun:   a precipitated solid substance in suspension or after settling or filtering
• verb:   fall from clouds

  Example: "Vesuvius precipitated its fiery, destructive rage on Herculaneum"

• verb:   separate as a fine suspension of solid particles
• verb:   hurl or throw violently

  Example: "The bridge broke and precipitated the train into the river below"

• verb:   bring about abruptly

  Example: "The crisis precipitated by Russia's revolution"

• verb:   fall vertically, sharply, or headlong

  Example: "Our economy precipitated into complete ruin"

• adjective:   done with very great haste and without due deliberation

  Example: "Wondered whether they had been rather precipitate in deposing the king"