Definition

1. Noun:
   • A very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, cliff, or mountain: A "precipice" is a high, extremely steep, and often dangerous cliff or rock face, typically found in mountainous areas. It implies a sheer drop.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The hikers stood at the edge of the precipice, looking down at the valley far below.
  • One wrong step could send you tumbling over the precipice.
  • The ancient castle was built on a precipice, making it nearly impossible to attack.

Advanced Usage

• "On the precipice of (something)": Figuratively, to be on the verge of a significant, often dangerous or critical, change or event.
  • The company was on the precipice of bankruptcy before the new investment.
  • Many felt the nation was on the precipice of war.

Variants and Related Words

• Precipitous (adj): Resembling a precipice; extremely steep. Also used figuratively to mean sudden and dramatic.
  • The trail ended at a precipitous drop.
  • The country faced a precipitous decline in exports.

Synonyms

• Cliff: A steep rock face, especially at the edge of the sea. (Less extreme than "precipice").
• Bluff: A steep cliff or bank, often by a river or the sea.
• Crag: A steep or rugged cliff or rock face.
• Escarpment: A long, steep slope, especially at the edge of a plateau.

Related Idioms

• "To stand on the edge of a precipice": To be in a very dangerous situation where a disastrous outcome is imminent.
  • With these new allegations, his political career is standing on the edge of a precipice.

Noun

1. a very steep cliff