cause cause /ˈkɔz/

noun

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

verb

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