causes

Noun

cause (countable and uncountable, plural causes)

1. (countable, often, with-of, typically of adverse results) The source of, or reason for, an event or action; that which produces or effects a result.
   • They identified a burst pipe as the cause of the flooding.

   Synonyms:

   basis, genesis

   Antonyms:

   effect, result

2. (especially, uncountable) Sufficient reason.
   • There is no cause for alarm.

   Synonyms:

   grounds, justification, occasion

3. (countable) A goal, aim or principle, especially one which transcends purely selfish ends.
   • God befriend us, as our cause is just.c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The First Part of Henry the Fourth, […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and...

   Synonyms:

   objective, purpose, aim, ambition, aspiration, end, terminus ad quem, goal, intention, object

4. (obsolete) Sake; interest; advantage.
   • I did it not for his cause.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 2 Corinthians 7:12
5. (countable, obsolete) Any subject of discussion or debate; a matter; an affair.
   • What counsel give you in this weighty cause?1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Second Part of Henry the Sixt, […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies. […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and...
6. (countable) A suit or action in court; any legal process by which a party endeavors to obtain his claim, or what he regards as his right; case; ground of action.

   Synonyms:

   litigation, action, lawsuit, suit

See all 9 meanings of cause