I. noun
1.
that (as a person, fact, or condition) which is responsible for an effect
the storm was the cause of all our difficulties
Synonyms: antecedent, determinant, occasion, reason
Related Word: goad, impulse, incentive, inducement, motive, spring; origin, prime mover, root, source; author, creator, generator, originator
Contrasted words: consequence, effect, issue, outcome, result
2.
Synonyms: motive 1, consideration, reason, spring
3.
Synonyms: occasion 3, call, necessity, obligation
4.
Synonyms: suit 1, action, case, lawsuit
II. verb
1.
Synonyms: generate 3, breed, engender, get up, hatch, induce, muster (up), occasion, produce, work up
2.
Synonyms: effect 1, bring about, draw on, make, produce, secure
Related Word: elicit, evoke, provoke
Idioms: be at the root of, give origin to, set on foot