cause

(kôz)

1. a. The producer of an effect, result, or consequence.
   b. The one, such as a person, event, or condition, that is responsible for an action or result.
2. A basis for an action or response; a reason: The doctor's report gave no cause for alarm.
3. A goal or principle served with dedication and zeal: “the cause of freedom versus tyranny” (Hannah Arendt).
4. The interests of a person or group engaged in a struggle: “The cause of America is in great measure the cause of all mankind” (Thomas Paine).
5. Law
   a. A ground for legal action.
   b. A lawsuit.
6. A subject under debate or discussion.

1. To be the cause of or reason for; result in.
2. To bring about or compel by authority or force: The moderator invoked a rule causing the debate to be ended.

Related Forms:

• causˈa·ble adjective

• causeˈless adjective

• causˈer noun

(kôz, kŭz)