n.
- a person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition.
▸reasonable grounds for a belief or action.
- a principle or movement which one is prepared to defend or advocate.
▸something deserving of support.
- a matter to be resolved in a court of law.
▸an individual's case offered at law.
v.
make (something, especially something bad) happen; be the cause of.
Phrase
- cause and effect
the relationship between an action or event and the effect that it produces. - make common cause
unite to achieve a shared aim.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr., from L. causa (n.), causare (v.).