précipice

precipice, sheer drop

noun preh-see-PEES Rare

Usage Note

Précipice denotes a dangerously steep cliff or chasm. Figuratively, être au bord du précipice (to be on the edge of a precipice) describes a situation of extreme danger or financial ruin. The related verb précipiter means to hurl down or to rush headlong, and se précipiter means to rush.

Examples

"Il s'arrêta au bord du précipice."

Natural Translation

He stopped at the edge of the precipice.

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