cause
/kɔz/
Reviewed on
Also a noun
Meaning
To make something happen, especially something negative or unintended.
Heavy rain caused severe flooding across several downtown streets last night.
Did the sudden drop in temperature cause the pipes to freeze?
How it's used
When this means “make something happen, often something bad”
- cause the problem
“caused it.”
The severe storm caused widespread power outages across the county.
When this means “lead someone or something to act”
- cause the engine to stall
“caused it to crash.”
The unexpected software bug caused the entire network to crash.
Collocations
- cause problems
- cause damage
Synonyms
- trigger
- provoke
Antonyms
Idioms
cause a stir
to create excitement, surprise, or controversy
Her controversial proposal caused a stir among the committee members.
cause a scene
to display loud or disruptive behavior in public
He tried not to cause a scene when the airline lost his luggage.
lost cause
something that has failed or cannot be saved
After several failed attempts to fix the old car, he realized it was a lost cause.
Meaning
A person, thing, or event that makes something happen.
Investigators are still searching for the exact cause of the fire.
Faulty wiring proved to be the primary cause behind the outage.
A principle, movement, or goal that people support or fight for.
She dedicated much of her free time to supporting environmental causes.
Has he always been passionate about this particular cause?
A valid reason or justification for an action or feeling.
The manager had good cause to dismiss the employee for repeated misconduct.
There is no cause for alarm despite the alarming headlines.
Collocations
- root cause
- probable cause
- worthy cause
- noble cause
- good cause
Antonyms
- effect
- result