Main Entry: ¹cause

Pronunciation: \ˈkȯz\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin causa

Date: 13th century

1 a : a reason for an action or condition : motive b : something that brings about an effect or a result c : a person or thing that is the occasion of an action or state; especially : an agent that brings something about d : sufficient reason <discharged for cause>
2 a : a ground of legal action b : case
3 : a matter or question to be decided
4 a : a principle or movement militantly defended or supported b : a charitable undertaking <for a good cause>

— cause·less \-ləs\ adjective