STEEP Copy link • STEEP 1. adj., praeruptus: deruptus (shelving): praeceps (precipitous): arduus (almost perpendicular; hence, difficult of ascent). (The words are found in this connection and order.) arduus et deruptus. A steep place, locus praeceps: steep places, praerupta or derupta, -orum, neuter; praecipitia, -ium (Suet.): to have a steep approach, arduo esse ascensu. 2. v. mergere in aquam (Cic.): intingere in aqua (Vitr.): madefacere (to moisten, soak).