cause meaning and definition

CAUSE noun

Definition of cause (noun)

1. events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
   • "they are trying to determine the cause of the crash"
2. a justification for something existing or happening
   • "he had no cause to complain"; "they had good reason to rejoice"
   • synonyms: grounds, reason
3. a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end
   • "he supported populist campaigns"; "they worked in the cause of world peace"; "the team was ready for a drive toward the pennant"; "the movement to end slavery"; "contributed to the war effort"
   • synonyms: campaign, crusade, drive, effort, movement
4. any entity that produces an effect or is responsible for events or results
   • synonyms: causal agency, causal agent
5. a comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy
   • "the family brought suit against the landlord"
   • synonyms: case, causa, lawsuit, suit

CAUSE verb

Definition of cause (verb)

1. give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
   • "cause a commotion"; "make a stir"; "cause an accident"
   • synonyms: do, make
2. cause to do; cause to act in a specified manner
   • "The ads induced me to buy a VCR"; "My children finally got me to buy a computer"; "My wife made me buy a new sofa"
   • synonyms: get, have, induce, make, stimulate