probable cause

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noun

law : evidence that gives someone a reason to think that a crime has been or is being committed

Full Definition of PROBABLE CAUSE

:  a reasonable ground for supposing that a charge is well-founded

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Examples of PROBABLE CAUSE

1. The lawyer argued that there was a lack of probable cause for a search warrant.
2. The police had probable cause to arrest him.

First Known Use of PROBABLE CAUSE

circa 1676

Rhymes with PROBABLE CAUSE

grandfather clause, make common cause, male menopause