causation

noun

cau·​sa·​tion kȯ-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce causation (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of causing
the role of heredity in the causation of cancer
b
: the act or agency which produces an effect
in a complex situation causation is likely to be multipleW. O. Aydelotte
2

Examples of causation in a Sentence

the role of heredity in the causation of cancer He claimed that the accident caused his injury, but the court ruled that he did not provide sufficient evidence of causation.
Recent Examples on the Web While life expectancy is longer in these other countries compared to the U.S., a correlation is not causation. Rita Numerof, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 The American Chemistry Council, an industry trade association for US chemical companies, told CNN the report did not establish causation. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 6 Feb. 2024 Some scholars took issue with her study on how intensive policing affects birth outcomes, saying the study only showed a correlation, not causation, and that many other factors could be at play. Usha Lee McFarling, STAT, 12 Jan. 2024 Correlation does not equal causation, and other risk factors should be considered, Toby Amidor, RD, CDN, a partner with the National Dairy Council, told Verywell. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Verywell Health, 22 Dec. 2023 Correlation, however, is not the same as causation. Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2023 The analysis proves correlation, but not causation. Cathy Cassata, Health, 23 Nov. 2023 The research wasn’t designed to determine causation—that is, whether the diverse interest and talents that lead a student to double major are the root of this career protection, or whether the extra major itself provides a shield. Emma Whitford, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 Why a vegetarian diet could lower your COVID risk The new study is merely observational and can’t prove causation. Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 9 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'causation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin causātiōn-, causātiō "accusation, objection, causal action," going back to Latin, "plea, excuse," from causārī "to plead an action in law, plead as an excuse" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at cause entry 2

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of causation was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near causation

Cite this Entry

“Causation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

causation

noun
cau·​sa·​tion kȯ-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce causation (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of causing
proof of objective causation of injury by the perpetratorAlan Freeman
b
: the act or agency that produces an effect
evidence was presented on doctor's malpractice…for…proof of causationNational Law Journal
if plaintiffs could establish…that the caps were manufactured by one of the defendants, the burden of proof as to causation would shift to all the defendantsSindell v. Abbott Laboratories, 607 P.2d 924 (1980)
2
: the relation between cause and effect especially as an element to be proven in a tort or criminal case
must be “legal” causation between the acts and the resultsW. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.
see also chain of causation

More from Merriam-Webster on causation

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