Main Entry: ¹sake

Pronunciation: \ˈsāk\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, dispute, guilt, purpose, from Old English sacu guilt, action at law; akin to Old High German sahha action at law, cause, Old English sēcan to seek — more at seek

Date: 13th century

1 : end, purpose <for the sake of argument>
2 a : the good, advantage, or enhancement of some entity (as an ideal) <free to pursue learning for its own sake — M. S. Eisenhower> b : personal or social welfare, safety, or benefit