cause
cause Lexical Profile
cause Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person, thing, or event that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition.
"Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the power outage."
Reasonable grounds or justification for a belief, feeling, or action.
"The doctors assured the family that there was no cause for alarm."
A principle, aim, or movement to which one is committed and which one is prepared to defend or advocate.
"She dedicated her entire career to the cause of environmental conservation."
A matter to be resolved in a court of law; a legal case or ground of action.
"The plaintiff failed to show sufficient cause to proceed with the lawsuit."
• verb
To make something happen, especially something bad or unintended; to bring about an effect or result.
"Heavy rainfall across the region caused widespread flooding along the riverbanks."
To compel, induce, or make a person or thing perform a specified action.
"The sudden drop in temperature caused the water pipes to freeze overnight."
• Rhymes for cause
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 13th century from Old French cause, which derives from Latin causa, meaning 'a reason, interest, judicial process, or lawsuit,' a word of uncertain ultimate origin.