cause

The definition of a cause is anyone or anything that brings about a result.

(noun)

An example of cause is a washing machine making clothes clean.

Cause means to produce a result.

(verb)

An example of cause is putting one foot in front of the other moves a person forward.

See cause in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

anything producing an effect or result
a person or thing acting voluntarily or involuntarily as the agent that brings about an effect or result: drinking was the cause of his downfall
a reason, motive, or ground for some action, feeling, etc.; esp., sufficient reason: cause for complaint
any objective or movement that a person or group is interested in and supports, esp. one involving social reform
Law an action or question to be resolved by a court of law

Origin: ME < OFr < L causa, a cause, reason, judicial process, lawsuit: infl. (in causesenses & ) by case

transitive verb caused, causing

to be the cause of; bring about; make happen; effect, induce, produce, compel, etc.

Related Forms:

conjunction

Informal, Dialectal because

See cause in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

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.
A basis for an action or response; a reason: The doctor's report gave no cause for alarm.
A goal or principle served with dedication and zeal: “the cause of freedom versus tyranny” (Hannah Arendt).
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).
Law
a. A ground for legal action.
b. A lawsuit.
A subject under debate or discussion.

transitive verb caused caused, caus·ing, caus·es

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

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin causa, reason, purpose

Related Forms: