Noun
1. events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something;
"they are trying to determine the cause of the crash"2. a justification for something existing or happening;
"he had no cause to complain""they had good reason to rejoice"3. 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"4. any entity that causes events to happen
5. 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"