necessitate

[ nuh-ses-i-teyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ne·ces·si·tat·ed, ne·ces·si·tat·ing.

1. to make necessary or unavoidable:

   The breakdown of the car necessitated a change in our plans.

2. to compel, oblige, or force:

   The new wage demand will necessitate a price increase.

necessitate

/ nɪˈsɛsɪˌteɪt /

verb

1. to cause as an unavoidable and necessary result
2. usually passive to compel or require (someone to do something)

Derived Forms

• neˈcessiˌtative, adjective
• neˌcessiˈtation, noun

Other Words From

• ne·cessi·tation noun
• ne·cessi·tative adjective
• prene·cessi·tate verb (used with object) prenecessitated prenecessitating
• unne·cessi·tated adjective
• unne·cessi·tating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of necessitate¹

1620–30; < Medieval Latin necessitātus, past participle of necessitāre to compel, constrain. See necessity, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

That, he says, necessitates the development of a more approachable style of leadership across the company at this time when so many lives are more complicated and more stressful than ever.

From Fortune

Keeping warming below 2˚ C could necessitate sucking out 10 billion tons a year by 2050 and 20 billion annually by 2100, a study by the National Academies found.

From MIT Technology Review

Though those reports have been muddied, we do know that the President’s oxygen saturation levels dropped below 94% on two occasions, necessitating supplemental oxygen.

From Fortune

It will also likely necessitate the creation or appointment of a state agency singularly dedicated to fuel treatment, Wara says.

From MIT Technology Review

This construction-related damage should not necessitate a complete abatement project in areas unaffected by the city’s work.

From Voice of San Diego

Home visits necessitate a phone, car, fuel, and someone who can drive.

From The Daily Beast

The call to return to the real meaning of Christmas does not necessitate cracking the Good Book.

From The Daily Beast

We must change our understanding of masculinity so that it doesn't necessitate violent resolutions to conflict.

From The Daily Beast

Clearly, the close quarters necessitate interesting adjustments.

From The Daily Beast

It will necessitate all the political and promotional skills she can muster.

From The Daily Beast

And it will necessitate my going out considerablyand appearing at receptions and places.

From Project Gutenberg

Not that young man's daughter, certainly, for that would necessitate her being a small child.

From Project Gutenberg

The possible approach of the French fleet did not necessitate the hasty execution of a prisoner.

From Project Gutenberg

The situation in Wyoming did not necessitate haste on their part, and so they had waited.

From Project Gutenberg

It guides, it need not coerce or necessitate, though it may.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• constrain
• entail
• require