I. ˈkȯz noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin causa
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : a reason for an action or condition : motive
b. : something that brings about an effect or a result
c. : a person or thing that is the occasion of an action or state ; especially : an agent that brings something about
d. : sufficient reason
discharged for cause
2.
a. : a ground of legal action
b. : case
3. : a matter or question to be decided
4.
a. : a principle or movement militantly defended or supported
b. : a charitable undertaking
for a good cause
• cause·less -ləs adjective
II. transitive verb
( caused ; caus·ing )
Date: 14th century
1. : to serve as a cause or occasion of
cause an accident
2. : to compel by command, authority, or force
caused him to resign
• caus·er noun