causation

noun

cau·​sa·​tion kȯ-ˈzā-shən 

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 multiple …

—W. O. Aydelotte

2

: causality

Synonyms of causation

• cause

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 correlation can never be confused with causation, major wealth creation events have historically been accompanied by significant increases in philanthropic activity. — Joe Crome, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

But observational studies can only establish association — not causation. — Subramaniam C. Krishnan, STAT, 28 Sep. 2026

The new study adds another potential health concern, but the researchers themselves caution against interpreting the results as proof of causation. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

Florida counsel must analyze how that threshold operates when the allegation concerns injury severity rather than collision causation, under the statute and the controlling seat belt decisions. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for causation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Legal Definition

causation

noun

cau·​sa·​tion kȯ-ˈzā-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of causing

proof of objective causation of injury by the perpetrator

—Alan Freeman

b

: the act or agency that produces an effect

evidence was presented on doctor's malpractice…for…proof of causation

—National 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 defendants

—Sindell 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 results

—W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.

see also chain of causation