The minister gave a public speech on the controversial subject to precipitate the matter.

Answer: Option C

precipitate : cause (an event or situation, typically one that is undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.
aggravate : make (a problem, injury, or offence) worse or more serious.
create : bring (something) into existence.
defer : put off (an action or event) to a later time; postpone.
push : exert force on (someone or something) in order to move them away from oneself.


Antonym of precipitate is defer