n. any entity that produces an effect or is responsible for events or results

n. a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end; "he supported populist campaigns"; "they worked in the cause of world peace"; "the team was ready for a drive toward the pennant"; "the movement to end slavery"; "contributed to the war effort"

n. a comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy; "the family brought suit against the landlord"

n. a justification for something existing or happening; "he had no cause to complain"; "they had good reason to rejoice"

n. events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something; "they are trying to determine the cause of the crash"

n. [an action, state, person or thing that produces an effect, that makes things happen]

v. give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally; "cause a commotion"; "make a stir"; "cause an accident"