precipice
n. countablen. a very high, steep cliff or edge. It can also mean a situation that is very close to a dangerous or bad result.
n. a steep, overhanging rock face or cliff. Figuratively, it refers to a position of extreme danger or a point of no return.
The hikers stood on the edge of the precipice.
The company was on the precipice of bankruptcy after the sudden drop in sales.
The explorer described the dizzying height of the precipice, where the wind howled so fiercely that it was nearly impossible to hear one's own voice.
First attested in 1598, from Middle French precipice, from Latin praecipitium (“a steep place”), from praeceps (“steep”), from prae + caput (“head”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kap- (“head”). Distantly related to precept through Latin praecipiō (“to teach”), from prae + capiō (“take”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European kap-, keh₂p- (“to hold; to seize”).