Meaning

• (often with of, typically of adverse results) The source of, or reason for, an event or action; that which produces or effects a result.

  "They identified a burst pipe as the cause of the flooding."

• (especially with for and a bare noun) Sufficient reason for a state, as of emotion.

  "The end of the war was a cause for celebration."

• A goal, aim or principle, especially one which transcends purely selfish ends.

• Sake; interest; advantage.

• Any subject of discussion or debate; a matter; an affair.

• 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.

Meaning

• To set off an event or action.

  "The lightning caused thunder."

• (ditransitive) To actively produce as a result, by means of force or authority.

  "His dogged determination caused the fundraising to be successful."

• To assign or show cause; to give a reason; to make excuse.