Precipice
/ˈprɛsɪpɪs/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A very steep rock face or cliff.
Standing at the edge of the precipice, she felt a rush of fear and exhilaration.
A situation of great danger or difficulty.
The company was on the precipice of bankruptcy after years of mismanagement.
An extreme or critical point.
Society is at the precipice of a major technological revolution.
Etymology
From Latin 'praecipitium' meaning 'a falling' or 'headlong fall'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
on the precipice
In a situation that is extremely dangerous or critical.
Related Words
abyss
A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm.
cliffhanger
An ending to a story that leaves the audience in suspense.
Slang Meanings
On the edge of disaster.
Mark was living on the precipice with his reckless spending.