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.