plural causes
1
: something or someone that produces an effect, result, or condition : something or someone that makes something happen or exist
His symptoms had no apparent physical causes.
She is the cause of all their problems.
He died of/from natural causes. [=he died because of old age or an illness]
—often + ofThe doctor determined the cause of death.
The exact cause of the accident/fire is not known.
2
: a reason for doing or feeling something
The medicine was prescribed without good cause.
—often + forThere is some cause for concern. [=some reason to be concerned/worried]
Their marriage was a cause for celebration.
3
: something (such as an organization, belief, idea, or goal) that a group or people support or fight for
I can support a cause that means something to me.
I'm willing to donate money as long as it's for a good/worthy cause.
causes; caused; causing
1
: to make (something) happen or exist : to be the cause of (something)
He swerved and caused an accident.
The flood caused great hardship.
The illness is caused by a virus.
2
: to make (someone) feel, have, or do something
The flood caused the town great hardship.
You caused us a lot of extra work.
—often followed by to + verbHis boss caused him to resign. [=his boss made him resign]
His nervous behavior caused me to question his innocence.
Cite this Entry
“Cause.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/cause. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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