noun

1. anything producing an effect or result
2. 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
3. a reason, motive, or ground for some action, feeling, etc.; esp., sufficient reason cause for complaint
4. any objective or movement that a person or group is interested in and supports, esp. one involving social reform
5. Law an action or question to be resolved by a court of law

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

transitive verb caused, causing caus′·ing

conjunction