Cause1, n.
(kawz), n. [Fr. cause, Pr., It., Sp., & Pg. causa, Lat. causa.] 1. That which produces or effects a result; that from which any thing proceeds, and without which it would not exist. Cause is a substance exerting its power into act, to make one thing begin to be. Locke. The general idea of cause is that without which another thing called the effect can not be; and it is divided by Aristotle into four kinds, known by the name of the material, the formal, the efficient, and the final. Monboddo.
- That which is the occasion of an action; that by reason of, or on account of, which any thing is done; account; sake; as, cause for rejoicing; cause for enmity; to trace a cause.
- (Law.) A suit or action in court; any legal process by which a party endeavors to obtain his claim, or what he regards as his right; case; ground of action. The action is commenced to try the cause.
- The side of a question or controversy, which is espoused, advocated, and upheld by a person or party; that in behalf of which the energy of a person is engaged.
God befriend us, as our cause is just. Shak. The part they take against me is from zeal to the cause. Burke. Material cause, that of which any thing is made.—Formal cause, the elements of a conception which make the conception or the thing conceived to be what it is, or, the idea viewed as a formative principle and co-operating with the matter.—Efficient cause, the agent that is prominent or conspicuous in producing a change or result.—Final cause, the end, design, or object for which any thing is done. Syn.—Reason; motive; inducement; incitement.