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Definition cause in British English

cause verb

[transitive] verb
/kɔːz/

▪ alarm, concern, confusion, controversy, damage, distress, embarrassment, harm, problems, suffering, trouble

1

to make something happen, usually something bad

Example

a politician who causes controversy wherever he goes

Example

The fire was caused by an electrical fault.

Example

The storm caused widespread damage.

Example

An injury to the goalkeeper caused him to limp off after ten minutes.

Example

Greenhouse gases are widely believed to be causing the Earth's atmosphere to heat up.

Example

He apologizes for causing you any embarrassment.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

used about something that makes an illness start

Example

Indigestion is caused by excess acid in the stomach.

Example

The drug has been found to cause epileptic fits in laboratory mice.

Synonyms and related words
1.2

used about someone who has done something wrong

Example

He was arrested for causing a disturbance.

Example

She was charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Synonyms and related words
Definition cause in British English