causenoun
uk/kɔːz/us/kɑːz/cause noun (REASON)
B2 [ C or U ] the reason why something, especially something bad, happens:
The police are still trying to establish the cause of the fire.
She had died of natural causes.
I wouldn't tell you without (good) cause (= if there was not a (good) reason).
I believe we have/there is just cause (= a fair reason) for taking this action.
C2 [ U ] a reason to feel something or to behave in a particular way:
He's never given me any cause for concern.
More examples
- One common cause of homelessness is separation or divorce.
- They are demanding an inquiry into the cause of the accident.
- I don't really think he had any cause to complain.
- Sugar is a major cause of tooth decay.
- Forensic scientists are examining the wreckage for clues about the cause of the explosion.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Causing things to happen
- -ization
- -ize
- actuation
- agent
- awaken (sth) in sb
- be associated with sth
- beget
- draw
- equal
- fuel
- instigate
- instigator
- introduce
- lie
- plant
- rise
- usher
- usher sth in
- wreak
- wrought
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Motives and reasons
cause noun (PRINCIPLE)
C1 [ C ] a socially valuable principle that is strongly supported by some people:
They are fighting for a cause - the liberation of their people.
I'll sponsor you for £10 - it's all in a good cause.
More examples
- Her study has considerably advanced the cause of equal rights.
- Environment protesters have made common cause with local people to stop the motorway being built.
- He has always shown great dedication to the cause.
- Vegetarianism is one cause she does not espouse.
- He has probably done more to further the cause of interracial harmony than any other person.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Goals and purposes
- affordance
- aim
- ambition
- aspiration
- avail
- dedicated
- deliverable
- end
- KPI
- objective
- order
- orientation
- point
- poodle
- poodle around (sth)
- prize
- should
- target
- use
- utility
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causeverb [ T ]
uk/kɔːz/us/kɑːz/B2 to make something happen, especially something bad:
The difficult driving conditions caused several accidents.
[ + obj + to infinitive ] The bright light caused her to blink.
Most heart attacks are caused by blood clots.
[ + two objects ] I hope the children haven't caused you too much trouble.
More examples
- Sitting hunched over a computer all day can cause problems.
- Some types of paint on toys can cause lead-poisoning in children.
- The bomb was designed to cause the maximum amount of damage.
- He's always trying to cause trouble between us.
- Smoking can cause respiratory diseases.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Causing things to happen
- -ization
- -ize
- actuation
- agent
- awaken (sth) in sb
- be associated with sth
- beget
- draw
- equal
- fuel
- instigate
- instigator
- introduce
- lie
- plant
- rise
- usher
- usher sth in
- wreak
- wrought
See more results »