cause1 verbcause2 noun
causecause1 /kɔːz $ kɒːz/ ●●● S1 W1 verb [transitive] 
VERB TABLE
cause
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | cause |
| he, she, it | causes | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | caused |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have caused |
| he, she, it | has caused | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had caused |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will cause |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have caused |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am causing |
| he, she, it | is causing | |
| you, we, they | are causing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was causing |
| you, we, they | were causing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been causing |
| he, she, it | has been causing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been causing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be causing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been causing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- About half of the chemicals that were tested caused cancer in rats.
- As children we were always causing our parents trouble.
- The autopsy showed that her death was caused by liver failure.
- The fire caused $500,000 in damage.
- The power failure caused the whole computer system to shut down.
- Try to isolate the problems that are causing you the most difficulty.
- Approximately 90% of deaths from lung cancer and bronchitis are caused by smoking.
- He claimed that the site was geologically unsound and any stress caused by a shift in water levels could cause an earthquake.
- It caused an estimated $ 40 billion in damage and killed 72 people.
- Such large emboli usually cause death within one to two hours.
- The stepfather denies 24 charges of cruelty and two of causing actual bodily harm.
- The theory among media honchos is that sending a reporter may cause families to change their minds.
- We're sorry if we've caused any confusion.
- What used to cause a belly laugh now earns a pleasant chuckle.
THESAURUS
to make something happen, especially something bad: · Bad weather has caused a lot of problems on the roads.· The fault caused the whole computer system to shut down.
to cause someone to do something, or cause something to happen. Make is less formal than cause, and is the usual word to use in everyday English: · What made you decide to become a teacher?· I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you cry.· Gravity is the force which makes the planets move round the Sun.
if someone or something is responsible for something bad, they caused it to happen: · The excessive heat was responsible for their deaths.· A small militant group was responsible for the bombing.
to make something happen – used especially about changes or improvements: · The Internet has brought about enormous changes in society.· It’s important that we do everything we can to bring about peace.
if an action or event results in something, it makes that thing happen: · The fire resulted in the deaths of two children.· The decision is likely to result in a large number of job losses.
to cause something to happen eventually after a period of time: · The information led to several arrests.· A poor diet in childhood can lead to health problems later in life.
if one event triggers another, it suddenly makes the second event happen: · The incident triggered a wave of violence.· An earthquake off Java’s southern coast triggered a tsunami.
formal to make a very serious event happen very suddenly, which will affect a lot of people: · The withdrawal of foreign investment would precipitate an economic crisis.· The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand precipitated World War I.
Longman Language Activatorto make something happen · I wish you wouldn't slam the door. It makes the floor shake.· Accidents don't always just happen - people can make them happen.· Gravity is the force that makes the planets move around the sun.
to make something happen, especially something unpleasant: · Heavy traffic is causing long delays on the roads.· About half of the chemicals that were tested caused cancer in rats.· The autopsy showed that her death was caused by liver failure.cause somebody trouble/problems/anxiety etc: · As children we were always causing our parents trouble.· Try to isolate the problems that are causing you the most difficulty.cause something to do something: · The power failure caused the whole computer system to shut down.
to be the particular reason for a problem or difficulty: · After a long investigation into the fire, faulty wiring was found to be the cause.be the cause of: · It's too early to say whether this virus is actually the cause of the disease.· An explosion on board appears to be the cause of the crash.be the leading/main cause of something: · The study showed that drug use is the leading cause of crime and violence.
to be the person or thing that causes something bad to happen, for example a mistake, a problem, or a serious accident: · The number of workplace accidents is increasing, but it is not clear who or what is responsible.be responsible for: · Heart disease was responsible for most of the deaths.· He was clearly responsible for the deaths and must be punished.be largely/mainly responsible for something: · Inflation was largely responsible for the economic crisis.
if an action or event results in something, it makes something happen: · Workers fear that the company's reorganization will result in layoffs.· Months of secret talks with the rebels finally resulted in the release of the hostages.· If left untreated, the condition will eventually result in blindness.
to start a process that finally makes something happen: · His research eventually led to the development of a vaccine.· The new regulations should lead to an improvement in our water supply.· The bank has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of the robbers.
formal if a situation, event, or action gives rise to a particular feeling, situation etc, it starts the process that makes it happen: · The canal project gave rise to a malaria epidemic in the region.· The President's frequent cancellations have given rise to concerns about his health.
to make something happen, especially a change or an improved situation: bring about something: · The President will support any efforts to bring about a ceasefire.· Education is the best method of bringing about economic development.bring something about: · A lot of hard work by ordinary citizens eventually brought the changes about.
to make a particular condition that did not exist at all suddenly exist: · The white walls and mirrors helped to create an illusion of space.· Margot's outburst created an unpleasant atmosphere and most of the guests left early.· The end of the cold war helped create a situation in which more countries than ever have access to nuclear weapons.
if something makes for a particular situation, it makes it easier or more likely for that situation to exist: · The stormy weather made for a very bumpy landing.· Delicious food and wonderful company made for a very enjoyable evening.
to make someone do something · Sarah's very funny. Her jokes always make me laugh.· The things she said make me wonder if she is in some kind of trouble.· The smell was so bad it almost made me throw up.be made to do something · I was made to wait for over an hour.
to make someone or something do something. Cause is more formal than make: · A dog ran into the road, causing the cyclist to swerve.· The parents' fear of gang activity caused them to move the family to a safer neighborhood.· No-one understands what could have caused her to hate him so much.
to be the thing that makes someone do something, especially when this process takes some time: · What led you to take up teaching as a career?· It was my interest in gardens that led me to study biology.lead somebody to believe: · The negative publicity has already led many to believe that Tompkins is guilty.
if something motivates someone to do something, it makes them want to do it - use this especially to talk about the reasons why people do things that are very good, very bad, or very dangerous: motivate somebody to do something: · I don't know what motivates people to commit such crimes.be motivated by something: · He was motivated by a desire to help his fellow man.· Many in the Asian community feel that the police actions were motivated by racial bias.
formal to make someone choose to do something: · Whatever induced her to buy such an expensive car?· The state advertises a great deal to induce its citizens to buy lottery tickets.
to be the thing that makes you to do something, especially something you have been thinking of doing for some time: · It was reading his book that prompted me to write to him.· What exactly prompted him to call you in the middle of the night?
to make something bad suddenly happen if someone or something sets off a fight, war etc, it makes it start happening: set off something: · The army's invasion set off a major international crisis.set something off: · Nobody knows what set the riot off.
if a small action or event triggers or sparks serious trouble or changes, it causes them to happen very quickly: · Even the smallest diplomatic incident can trigger a major international conflict.· The assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand sparked the First World War.trigger/spark off something: · Riots, sparked off by the arrest of seven student leaders, have spread to other universities.
formal to make something serious happen, especially more quickly than was expected: · The 1929 stock market crash precipitated the collapse of the American banking system.· Both countries claimed the same area, precipitating a border war.
to be the first or basic cause of something to be the basic cause of a problem or serious situation: · Simple greed is at the root of most white-collar crime.· At the bottom of the country's economic problems is its overwhelming debt.lie at the root/bottom of something: · Difficulties with the company's overseas subsidiaries lie at the root of last year's losses.
: underlying cause/reason/factor etc a cause, reason etc that is one of the most basic and important, but which is not easy to notice: · They were treating only the symptoms of the disease rather than its underlying cause.· Climate and geography are the underlying reasons for the region's low level of economic development.
to make someone have a particular feeling: to make somebody worried/nervous/happy etc · Stop staring at me - you're making me nervous.· Money is the only thing that seemed to make him happy.· Standing up all day really makes me tired.make somebody want to do something · The whole thing was so depressing - it made me want to give up and go home.
: have somebody worried/confused/interested etc to make someone worried, confused etc, especially only for a short time: · You had me worried for a minute - I thought you weren't going to show up.· The film was so full of suspense, it had the audience on the edge of their seats.
formal make people feel interested, jealous etc: excite interest/jealousy/suspicion etc: · Arthur's enormous wealth excited the envy of his rivals.· Recent fossil finds in Africa have excited interest among palaeontologists.
written to make people have a strong interest in something or strong feelings, such as anger, fear, dislike etc: arouse anger/suspicion/fear etc: · His strange behavior aroused my suspicions.· The resignation of the managing director is certain to arouse new fears about the future of the company.arouse interest/curiosity: · The success of the recent TV series has aroused young people's curiosity about nature in general.
written to make someone have a particular emotion, thought, or reaction: · She tried everything in an attempt to evoke sympathy and pity from her parents.· Her speech today evoked surprise and outrage from many French officials.· The names Witches Well, Candlemaker Row and Grassmarket Square evoke visions of another era.
to make something such as a feeling exist and grow: · The murder trial has generated enormous public interest.· Realistic programmes about crime only serve to generate fear among the public.· Completing the project on time and under budget generated a feeling of pride and accomplishment among the team.
to deliberately make a lot of people feel interested, excited, angry etc about something that you think is important: whip up something: · It's difficult to whip up people's interest in the environment.· She's been giving speeches all over the state to whip up support for her campaign.whip somebody/something up: · Rylan has been accused of whipping crowds up into frenzies of violent hatred.
: reduce somebody to tears/silence/a bag of nerves etc to treat someone in such an unkind or unfair way, that they cry, are silent etc: · He would often yell at his wife until he had reduced her to tears.· One look from him was enough to reduce anyone to absolute silence.· Her outbursts in the classroom have the effect of reducing her students to gibbering wrecks.
to cause someone or something to be in a particular situation or condition: make somebody late/ill etc · Hurry up - you're going to make me late for work.· Something I ate last night really made me sick.make something safe/interesting/dirty etc · He could make things very difficult for us.· Engineers have been working throughout the night to make the bridge safe.· We gave the house a coat of paint to make it more attractive.make it easy/impossible/necessary etc (for somebody) to do something · The regulations should make it easier for patients to receive the treatment they need.· The increased costs made it impossible to continue producing the computers in the U.S.
to make something be in a particular condition, especially so that it is ready to be used: have something ready/organized/prepared etc: · We'll have your car ready by 3 o'clock.· I'm going to have the roof fixed as soon as I can afford it.· My parents had the little train all laid out under the tree on Christmas morning.
formal to make someone or something unable to do something, work properly, cause any damage etc: render something useless/impossible/harmless etc: · Both runways have been rendered useless by enemy bombings.· The angry exchange rendered future compromise impossible.render somebody unconscious/helpless etc: · Suddenly Packer struck a blow that rendered his victim unconscious.
to cause someone or something to suddenly be in a very bad situation: plunge somebody/something into debt/war/depression etc: · The government's uncontrolled spending has plunged the country into debt.· The growing hostility between the two parties is threatening to plunge the country into civil war.
: put somebody in a difficult/awkward/impossible situation/position to do something that causes someone difficulties, embarrassment etc: · The minister's comments have put the prime minister into a very awkward position.· I'm afraid I've been put into a rather embarrassing position.
to deliberately try to cause trouble, arguments etc formal to deliberately encourage people to cause trouble, fight, argue etc: · Four men were arrested for inciting the riot.incite somebody to something: · She was charged with inciting the crowd to violence.incite somebody to do something: · Tribal leaders are accused of inciting their followers to attack rival tribes.
if something provokes an angry situation or a reaction, they cause it, usually deliberately: · The new laws have provoked violent demonstrations in some towns.· The ambassador's offensive remarks provoked widespread criticism.provoke somebody to something: · The judge ruled that Becker provoked her husband to attack her so she could shoot him.
to deliberately try to cause arguments, fighting etc between people: stir up something: · I hope you're not trying to stir up trouble.· His series of articles on party leaders has stirred up a great deal of public controversy.stir something up: · He was accused of trying to stir rebellion up among the peasants.
to be one of the causes of something if something plays a part in something, it is one of several things that makes it happen or be successful: · Many cases of breast cancer have genetic causes, but environmental substances may also play a part.play a part in: · It is not yet known if weather conditions played a part in the accident.· The genius of the two designers has played a big part in the company's recent success.
if something contributes to a situation or event, it is one of the things that make it happen: · An increase in the price of drugs has contributed to the rising cost of medical care.· It is thought that the pilot's negligence may have contributed to the disaster.
formal: contributory cause/factor one of several causes of something that happens, but not the main cause: · Malnutrition was considered to have been a contributory cause of death.· Alcohol is a contributory factor in at least 50% of the violent crimes reported.
to believe that something is caused by a particular thing to explain a situation, event, or behaviour by saying that it is the result of something else: · Charlie's been drinking a lot lately, which I put down to stress at work.· Authorities put the acts of vandalism down to "festive high spirits" after the team's victory.· Her restlessness was put down to excitement, and nobody realised she was seriously ill.
formal to explain a situation or fact by saying that it is the result of something else: · Over 1,000 deaths a year can be attributed to drunk driving.· The low crop yields are attributed to changes in climate.· The management attributed the success of the company to the new Marketing Director.
something that makes something else happen · Doctors cannot find a cure for the illness until they have identified the cause.cause of · Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the accident.root cause (=basic cause) · The root cause of the current energy crisis is that we simply use too much energy.
one of several causes of a situation or condition: · The price of insurance depends on several factors, including the age of the car.factor in: · His girlfriend lives in London and I'm sure that was a factor in his decision to move there.key factor (=very important factor): · Money will be the key factor when we decide to buy a new house.deciding/determining factor (=the thing that finally makes something happen): · Race should never be a deciding factor in a hiring decision.
the thing or one of the things that makes you decide to do something or makes something happen: · "Why are you helping her?" "She asked me to. That's the only reason."· The main reason she quit is that she was not being paid enough.reason for/behind: · Can anyone explain the reason for the delay?· There were two reasons behind the company's failure.reason why/(that): · The reason why the economy is growing more slowly is a lack of workers.reason to do something: · There's no reason to doubt what she says.
the first causes from which a situation, condition etc has developed: origins of: · The origins of the crisis were very complex.· Other cultures' beliefs about the origins of disease often differ from our own.have origins in: · Many of our attitudes to the issue of race have their origins in the colonialism of days gone by.
the main or most important cause of a situation or condition: root of: · The roots of the wars in the Balkans go back hundreds of years.get to the root of something (=discover the most important cause): · We need to get to the root of the problem.
an event, action, or situation that helps a process to develop more quickly: · The appointment of a new director gave the project immediate stimulus.stimulus to: · The surge in new housing construction ought to provide a stimulus to the economy.
an event, action, or situation that helps something to develop more quickly: impetus for/behind: · The impetus for change in the industry was provided by a new management team.· Press criticism has been the main impetus behind the government reforms.give impetus to something: · The Surgeon General's speech will give new impetus to the anti-smoking campaign.
when a bad situation or problem makes people argue if an unpleasant situation or problem causes or leads to an argument , it makes people argue: · Don't tell him about the money. It'll only cause an argument.· The cleaning rota always leads to arguments in our house.
if a bad situation or a problem comes between two people, it makes them argue, usually with the result that they stop being friends: · We were such close friends that I didn't think anything could come between us.· I was determined not to let my career come between us.
if a bad situation, a problem etc causes a rift between two people, it makes them have a small argument with the result that they are not as friendly as they were before: · The street fighting has caused a slight rift between the communities involved.· No one is quite sure about what caused the rift between the two actors.
to damage something to break part of something or spoil its appearance: · The goods were damaged during transport.· Don't put any hot things on the table - you'll damage the surface.badly/severely damaged: · The building had been severely damaged by fire.
if one thing or person does or causes damage to another, it damages that person or thing - use this especially to say how much damage there is: · The explosion caused over £50,000 worth of damage.· In the end, the Internet virus did little permanent damage.do/cause damage to: · Too much sun can do serious damage to your skin.
to damage a machine or piece of equipment so that it does not work or cannot be used: · Leave that clock alone - you'll break it!· We used to have a remote control for the TV, but my brother broke it.
to damage a painted or polished surface by making long thin marks on it with something sharp or rough: · Be careful not to scratch the table with those scissors.· I scratched the side of the car as I was backing it into the driveway.
to make someone feel embarrassed something that is embarrassing makes you feel embarrassed : · It was so embarrassing - I couldn't remember his name!· The doctor asked me a lot of embarrassing questions about my sex life.embarrassing to/for: · The revelations about the President's university life were to prove deeply embarrassing to him.
to make someone feel embarrassed: · I hope I didn't embarrass you in front of your friends.· One woman was trying to embarrass me by asking me questions I couldn't answer.
if a situation or an action causes embarrassment to someone, it makes them feel embarrassed in front of a lot of people: · If you want I'll leave - I don't want to cause any embarrassment.cause somebody embarrassment: · His wife's frequent affairs with other men had caused him acute public embarrassment.cause embarrassment to somebody: · The article was intended to cause the greatest possible embarrassment to the government.
if someone or something is an embarrassment to someone, they make them feel embarrassed or ashamed to be connected with them: · Look at the way he's dressed. It's an embarrassment.be an embarrassment to: · His heavy drinking was an embarrassment to his friends and family.
use this about something that makes you feel extremely embarrassed: · The ambassador opened the gift in front of all his guests - and the box was empty! It was the most excruciating moment of my life.· There followed an excruciating silence that lasted for at least a minute.
to cause death to cause someone's death - use this especially about accidents, diseases, or substances: · A car drove onto the pavement, killing three of Mrs Maguire's children.· The explosion killed 32 people.· The disease has already killed more than 2000 in Latin America.· Many people do not realize that these drugs are dangerous and can kill.be killed in a crash/accident etc: · James Dean was killed in a car crash in 1955.
to make someone die: · Rhubarb leaves, either raw or cooked, can cause violent stomach pains or even death.· Research is being done into the virus that caused the death of 15,000 seals last summer.· The injuries sustained by the victim were not sufficient to have caused death in a healthy person.
to cause the death of a group of plants or animals: kill off something: · It was the cold winter of 1992 that finally killed off the last of the roses.· Pollution in the lakes and streams has been killing off many species of fish.kill something off: · If you plant your seedlings out too soon, a late frost might kill them off.
to kill things, especially plants and trees, so that they can never start to grow again: · A vast amount of the Amazonian rainforest is being destroyed every day.· Milk is heat treated for a few seconds to destroy bacteria.
if an illness is a killer , it kills a lot of people, especially because there is no cure: · In those days measles was a major killer.· Diphtheria is still a killer in many developing countries.
to kill a complete group or race of people, or all of a type of animal or plant, so that it no longer exists: wipe out somebody/something: · The entire village was wiped out.· Archaeologists think that massive floods could have wiped out the dinosaurs.wipe somebody/something out: · The fur trade has wiped leopards out in some areas.
to kill large numbers of the people, animals, or plants in a particular place: · Cambodia's 21-year war decimated the wildlife population.· His prize herd of cows has been decimated by an unknown disease.
to offend someone to make someone angry or upset by doing something that they think is socially or morally unacceptable or by being rude to them: · The programme contains scenes that may offend older viewers.· She stopped mid-sentence, anxious not to offend him.· He didn't speak during the meeting for fear of saying something that might offend.offend (somebody's) sensibilities: · He is a sensitive man, and it is not difficult to offend his sensibilities.
to make someone very angry and upset, for example by doing something that shows you have little respect for them or do not think that they are very good at something: · In some cultures, you insult your host if you do not accept their offer of food.insult somebody by doing something: · I won't insult you by explaining the rules of the game.insult somebody's intelligence (=treat someone as if they are stupid): · questions that insult the intelligence of the interviewee
British informal to make someone annoyed, especially without intending to: · It really gets my back up when salesmen call round to the house.· He treats everyone like children, and that's why he puts people's backs up.
to offend someone - use this about words or actions that were not intended to offend anyone: · He later appeared on television to apologize for causing offence.cause offence to: · I hope I didn't cause offence to anyone when I left early.cause great offence: · A remark that is considered humorous in one culture can cause great offence in another.
when someone causes problems, especially deliberately to cause a problem, even if you do not intend to: · After a while, John started causing problems in class.· They have two good running backs who can cause problems for our team's defense.· A popular independent candidate could create problems for the Democrats by taking away votes.
to deliberately cause problems, especially by starting arguments or fights: · Don't give him another drink, or he'll start causing trouble.· Some of the demonstrators were determined to make trouble, whatever the police did.· It's not just gang members that cause trouble, it's middle- and upper-class kids too.
to deliberately cause problems and make it difficult for someone to do something, for example in order to punish them or persuade them to do something: · They can't actually stop us, but they could make life difficult.make life difficult for: · Some employers have made life difficult for employees who need time off for extended illnesses.
informal to deliberately treat someone badly and cause trouble for them, for example by criticizing them, complaining, or asking them a lot of difficult questions: · When I first came here everyone gave me a really hard time, because I was the first woman to run a department.give sb a hard time about: · My mother gave me a really hard time about Freddy. She couldn't stand him.
informal to cause problems by making changes in a situation that everyone else thinks is satisfactory: · We have a pretty good life here. Why rock the boat?· Judge Thurgood Marshall never hesitated to rock the boat, from the beginning of his long legal career.· A lot of people have a don't-rock-the boat mentality that stops them from complaining.
when a fact or situation causes problems to cause a problem that has to be dealt with: · You would be the only woman on a staff of over thirty men, which could create problems.· Both parents and teachers are worried about the problems posed by drugs.cause/create/pose a problem for: · Rebecca was frequently late for work, which caused problems for her colleagues.· Rising inflation could pose a major problem for the government.
to cause problems for someone and make it difficult or inconvenient for them to do what they want to do: · Petty arguments between staff have made the manager's life difficult.make life difficult for: · The rail strikes are making life increasingly difficult for people who have to travel into London every day.
if an activity or a plan presents a problem , there is a problem connected with it that has to be dealt with: · Constructing a highway in this area would present enormous difficulties.present a problem/difficulty for: · Live television programmes present special problems for the broadcaster.present somebody with a problem/difficulty: · Britain's relationship with other members of the European Union presents Blair with problems, just as it did for the Tories.
something that is troublesome keeps causing problems over a period of time: · The infection can be particularly troublesome if it affects the lungs or throat.· The plant is regarded as a troublesome weed in rice fields.
informal to cause problems over a period of time that are difficult to deal with: · Messy walkways and picnic tables are just some of the headaches caused by the hundreds of ducks that gather by the lake.be a headache for: · Censorship is always a constant headache for newspapers in the republic.give somebody a headache: · The scandal has given the minister a very public headache.
if difficulties, illnesses, doubts, problems etc plague someone, there are a lot of them and they keep causing trouble for a long time: · Social problems plague these low-income communities.· The area is plagued by soil erosion and flooding.
if a problem or bad luck dogs someone or something, it keeps causing trouble for a long time and prevents them from succeeding: · The team has been dogged by injury all season.· Zambia had none of the heritage of war and violence that dogged, say, Kenya or Zimbabwe.
to make someone feel worried · The changes in the Earth's climate began to worry some scientists.· "Why didn't you tell me?" "I didn't want to worry you."it worries somebody that · Doesn't it worry you that Stephen spends so much time away from home?what worries somebody is · What worries me is the difference in age between Rosie and her boyfriend.· One thing that worried me was that information had been leaked to the press.
if a problem troubles you, it makes you feel worried because you do not know what to do about it: · You must talk to your daughter and find out what's troubling her.· The incident troubled me -- it wasn't like Sarah to be so secretive.be troubled by something: · She is troubled by the fact that her son already shows signs of inheriting his father's mental problems.
if someone else's problems, health, safety etc concern you, you worry about them because you think they are important, even when they may not affect you personally: · Kate's behaviour at school is starting to concern her parents.it concerns somebody that: · It concerns me that some tutors are meeting with students outside college hours.what concerns somebody is: · What concerns me most is that despite pay increases, production has not improved.
if something bothers you, it slightly worries you - use this especially about problems that do not seem serious: · The only thing that bothers me is how I'm going to get from the station to the farm.· You shouldn't let little things like that bother you.what bothers somebody is: · What bothers me is that you didn't feel you could talk to me or your father about it.
also give somebody cause for concern if something that is happening causes concern or is a cause for concern , it makes someone, especially someone in an official position, feel worried, because it is unsatisfactory or possibly dangerous - used especially in official situations: · We have to inform you that your son's behaviour has been causing concern for some time now.· Two dozen cases of water poisoning in the space of a week certainly is a cause for concern, and we shall be taking action.· The Secretary General said that the recent developments are giving him cause for concern.cause somebody concern: · Your husband has almost recovered -- the only thing that's still causing us concern is his high blood pressure.cause concern among: · The decision has caused concern among human rights groups.
if a problem or something bad that has happened preys on your mind , it worries you continuously even though you do not want to think about it: · It was starting to prey on my mind so much that I went to the hospital.· The old woman's warning preyed on Mary's mind as she continued her journey.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYnouns
I hope he doesn’t cause any aggro. The rebels have inflicted heavy casualties. One of the chief causes of crime today is drugs. Everyone looked to see what was causing the commotion. The government’s plans have caused considerable consternation among many Americans. The National Lottery provides extra money for deserving causes. His appointment caused disquiet among members. The strike caused widespread disruption. He espoused a variety of scientific, social and political causes. Having my mother living with us causes friction at home. The security leaks have caused a widespread furore. A strike will cause havoc for commuters. The astringent can cause irritation to sensitive skin. For some children, the first fall of snow is an opportunity to create mayhem. death from natural causes Police can remove a vehicle that is causing an obstruction. The proposed changes caused an angry outcry from residents. the root causes of crime Plans for the motorway caused quite a stir among locals. We decided to give the money to a worthwhile cause (=one that helps people).COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
· The heavy rain has been causing serious problems on the roads.
· I decided not to complain because I didn’t want to cause trouble.
· A fire had broken out and caused severe damage to the roof.
· Scientists are trying to find out what causes the disease.
· Rugby is one of the sports that are most likely to cause injury.
· The infection can cause severe pain.
· The famine caused the death of up to 400,000 people.
· Bad weather caused delays at many airports.
· 75% of accidents are caused by speeding.
· Floods caused chaos across much of the country.
· Environmental issues are causing widespread concern.
· Teachers say the reforms will cause confusion in schools.
(=offend/embarrass someone)· How can I refuse the invitation without causing offence?
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES I hope he doesn’t cause any aggro.· The memory seemed to cause him great amusement.
· Their nuclear programme is causing mounting anxiety among other nations, especially Israel.
· He was deliberately trying to start an argument.· Money often causes arguments.
· Tax cuts sometimes lead to an economic boom.
· Money problems often cause marriage breakdown.
The rebels have inflicted heavy casualties.· Snow has caused chaos on the roads this morning.
One of the chief causes of crime today is drugs. Everyone looked to see what was causing the commotion.· Patients sometimes have cause to complain about the hospital treatment they receive.
(=a good reason to complain)· I do not think that he has any cause for complaint.
· The announcement will cause concern in the Middle East.
· Rising global temperatures are a cause for serious concern.
· Sometimes very small disagreements can cause conflict within a family.
· English spelling often causes confusion for learners.
The government’s plans have caused considerable consternation among many Americans.· His speech caused great controversy.
· The people fled the country, creating a huge refugee crisis.
· We surveyed the damage caused by the bomb.
· We still don't know what caused his death.
· The cause of death was a bullet in his chest.
· Bacteria stick to food and cause decay.
· The use of agricultural chemicals has led to a decline in water quality.
· The bad weather caused a three-hour delay in sending out rescue helicopters.
The National Lottery provides extra money for deserving causes.· It's clear that the bomb was intended to cause death and destruction.
· Stress and worry both cause sleep difficulties.
· This is a policy that has caused an enormous amount of disagreement.
· Smoking is probably the major factor causing heart disease.
His appointment caused disquiet among members. The strike caused widespread disruption.· Several people were arrested for creating a disturbance outside the embassy.
· Some of his jokes caused embarrassment to the older members of the audience.
· Acid rain has caused serious erosion, and now the entire hillside could slide down.
He espoused a variety of scientific, social and political causes.· The arrival of a stranger caused some excitement in the village.
· The police do not yet know what caused the explosion.
(=make an animal, plant etc stop existing)· Exactly what caused the extinction of the dinosaurs?
Having my mother living with us causes friction at home.· A burst tyre was the fundamental cause of the crash.
The security leaks have caused a widespread furore.· The severe winter caused great hardship in remote villages.
· Very small amounts of the chemical cause no lasting harm.
A strike will cause havoc for commuters.· There was concern that overhead power lines could cause a health hazard.
· The drug can cause headaches.
· Inadequate hygiene can lead to illness.
· His carelessness caused a major incident.
· The heat wave brought about a massive increase in water consumption.
· Certain economic systems inevitably result in inequality.
· Too much government borrowing can lead to inflation.
· The injury was caused by flying glass from the car windscreen.
The astringent can cause irritation to sensitive skin.· A partner's involvement with friends, family, or work colleagues can cause jealousy.
· the likely cause of the accident
For some children, the first fall of snow is an opportunity to create mayhem. (=do things that cause trouble or damage)· Boys were wandering around, out to cause mischief.
· Hearing loss can cause misunderstandings, when what you say is not correctly heard.· Don’t just assume that you know what he means; that can lead to misunderstandings.
death from natural causes· The medicine can cause nausea and dizziness.
Police can remove a vehicle that is causing an obstruction.· The lower crime figures are certainly grounds for optimism.
The proposed changes caused an angry outcry from residents.· The earthquake caused widespread panic.
· The factory was a clear source of pollution.· Fumes from cars are a major cause of air pollution.
· The building’s lack of parking space could cause problems.
(=make someone ill)· Wheat is one of the foods that are most likely to cause a reaction.
· Rising oil prices help to fuel inflation and cause recession.
· The special arrangements for overseas students caused resentment among the other students.
· When the election results were announced, it caused riots in the capital.
the root causes of crime· The vicar caused a scandal by having an affair with a young woman.
· The drug can produce strange sensations in some patients.
· The affair has brought about a shift in the government’s attitude towards immigration.
· Poor harvests could cause food shortages in the winter.
· I’m not saying that TV violence is the sole cause of violence in society.
Plans for the motorway caused quite a stir among locals.· The prime minister caused a storm by criticizing military commanders.
· Moving house often causes stress.
· Balancing work and family is the main cause of stress for many people.
· Make a note of which foods cause the symptoms, and which do not.
· I hope the delay hasn’t caused you any trouble.
· Stress is the underlying cause of many illnesses.
· People blamed immigrants for causing unemployment.
· The introduction of new working practices provoked severe industrial unrest.
· The virus causes people to sweat.
· Her children were a constant source of worry.
We decided to give the money to a worthwhile cause (=one that helps people).· Daytime drowsiness and associated sleep disorders can affect the quality of your life and can cause accidents, especially among drivers.· Add rugs to hard floors for softness and interest, but make sure they will not slip and cause accidents.· In fact I cause a car accident by obstructing some one's driveway.· I can't imagine what caused the accident.· Scooter Hire Most holiday injuries we see are caused by scooter accidents.· It almost caused numerous accidents, here narrowly avoiding a head-on collision.· But now spoil-sport officials in the Roads Service have ordered him to remove them, claiming they could cause an accident.· They're warning that overloaded vehicles are dangerous and can cause serious accidents.
· What factors would we expect to cause changes in the supply and demand for bills?· We can predict an increase in equilibrium price greater than that caused by either change taken separately.· The information systems project will cause changes to the roles of employees and in working relationships.· A change in operating personnel should not cause any change in quality control values. 67.· More recent studies have shown that hepatic denervation causes significant changes in the biliary lipid composition.· And the trauma had caused personality changes which made him irritable and difficult to live with.· Any change in the number of ions present will cause a change in the electrical conductivity of the solution.· Stopping rivers and creating lakes, it was reported, had caused irreversible changes to thousands of acres of land.
· Joint interests could cause you more concern than anything else and you may feel that a partner has bungled matters here.· Needless to say, this causes duck producers much concern and limits the potential enjoyment of this marvelous bird.· This has caused some concern as peaceful demonstrators may be prevented from marching because of the threat posed by a potentially disruptive counter-demonstration.· The inaccurate economic predictions should cause concern about the reliability of the financial benefits of annexation.· The incident has caused great concern among officers at Bullingdon.· He told them he had received reports that had caused him grave concern.· But the phenomenon has also caused concern.· Resistance has been confirmed in most counties where blackgrass is a problem, and is causing increasing concern.
· I seek your guidance about a matter on today's Order Paper that is causing some confusion.· It caused a lot of confusion.· Excessive doses can cause panic, confusion, inability to sleep, hallucinations and paranoia.· What is being emphasized here is the fact that the two terms should not cause the proposal author confusion.· The name is likely to cause confusion with Pete Astles' Peak Performance, who also make canoe clothing.· Answer: Surprisingly, a. Why: This one sneaks into punctuation rule books and is uncommon enough to cause confusion.· Even at the best of times fighting in the ranks can cause disarray and confusion in the army.· Often, the terms hypertext and hypermedia are used interchangeably, causing confusion.
· The upset and damage which has been caused to us by these articles is an extremely serious matter.· The damage caused by this closure will continue to be felt for many years.· For bosses at Morland damage caused by a Green King take-over would be incalculable.· Trolley officials were required to build the preserve to make up for damage caused by the trolley project.· Whatever we do, argues Moltmann, damage has been caused because of the irreversibility of the development of humanity.· Draft directives on civil liability for damage caused by waste are under discussion.· However, £200 damage was caused to a rear window.· An attempt had been made to set it alight but no damage was caused.
· His action has already caused the premature death of 700,000 birds with miserly compensation to owners.· She was in Charleston, South Carolina, the following August when an eight-minute earthquake caused 110 deaths and hundreds of injuries.· Around the world, they cause the deaths of three and a half million children every year.· Read in studio A man has appeared in court accused of causing the death of a pensioner by dangerous driving.· Neighbour Martin Clarke, 31, has been charged with causing his death by careless driving.· He knew he had caused their deaths.· Benzodiazepines, of course, are prescription only drugs, and an overdose is far less likely to cause death.· It was their sin that had caused the death of John Parker.
· One train broke down, causing a two-hour delay.· But bad weather causes frequent delays and cancellations.· This may cause some delay to processing orders in this period.· Now that in itself would cause major delays.· It's been caused by a delay in the operation to move a bridge crossing the M4 near the Severn estuary.· There also is a bug when searching by date that can cause delays in query time.· The local emergency services have stated that the proposals will not cause any significant delays.· However, many experts predict economic and financial obstacles will cause a delay of several years.
· The second group causes most of the difficulties in spelling with consonants.· Still, the lawsuit has the potential to cause difficulty for Clinton because it is in essence a simple story.· Such divisions of opinion were causing difficulties in the functioning of local medical committees.· But subjects that are more abstract, such as scientific concepts or math, may cause them difficulties.· It is this adjustment which causes difficulties for our body rhythms.· This caused many difficulties, for it seemed so remote to him now.· They say it could cause difficulties, but are waiting to see whether the idea will come to fruition.· Another use for the sequestering agents is to immobilize metals that might cause difficulties in processing.
· The result is a hybrid virus that will multiply readily when given to humans but will not cause disease.· But the role of the fungus in causing human disease is less well understood.· These raised levels may be triggered by the bacteria causing gum disease, which escape into the bloodstream when gums bleed.· However, there were complications that required additional surgery, jaundice possibly caused by gall-bladder disease, and pneumonia.· Only within the last few years have doctors begun to realize that this microbe can cause disease.· Perhaps gene therapy could prevent the mutation of the prion gene that causes hereditary brain disease.· The authors believed that their serological results supported the view that infection with M paratuberculosis might cause Crohn's disease.· Many of the germs that cause disease pass from our hands into our mouths; so can environmental metal toxins like lead.
· As a result they are less willing to accept the increasing costs caused by disruption and seek to recover them through claims.· The Court ruled that such speech could be punished even if it was not legally obscene and did not cause substantial disruption.· Only minutes before the final whistle, Halliday weaved his way infield, causing the disruption from which Morris was to score.· Such speech is still protected by the First Amendment unless it causes substantial disruption or interferes with the rights of others.· At the time of the shooting the students were not rioting or causing civil disruption.· To support such action, officials would have to show that the publications caused or would probably cause substantial and material disruption.· The influx of large numbers of construction workers had inevitably caused disruption in the nearby villages, especially the closest, Stogursey.· Not according to a Texas case where officials prohibited armbands because they expected those who opposed the armbands to cause disruption.
· They then distort the long-wave pattern which is controlling them, causing the next short-wave disturbances to move differently.· Work inhibition is not caused by severe emotional disturbance.· In 1957, Paisley and Wylie were charged with causing a disturbance in Donaghadee by preaching through a loud hailer.· Thus, clinical disorders of volume are caused by disturbances of salt balance.· This may cause disturbances in the basic organization.· The advantage of this approach is that pain relief may be obtained without causing disturbance of sensation over the face and cornea.· Binge-eating can cause menstrual disturbances, acute swelling of the stomach and also salivary gland enlargement.· One athlete in particular, however, has caused more of a disturbance with his seeming lack of concern.
· On that occasion he received a sentence of imprisonment for causing grievous bodily harm.· Decision makers need to be aware of the harm that their decisions can cause.· A 19 year old female student from Bath University was charged by Essex police with unlawful imprisonment and causing actual bodily harm.· Scientific studies involving humans have a statistical threshold for causing harm to participants, and if passed they are discontinued.· Another 40 people are facing charges of riot and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.· Some representatives from health clinics argued that the proposal would cause more harm than good.· Land could be sold off or developed, causing significant harm to present areas of natural beauty and important wildlife habitats.· Yesterday McClelland, 17, appeared before Teesside Crown Court and admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.
· Heavier passengers will cause greater injury to others in an accident if they are not wearing a seat belt.· The legal principles that apply to teachers whose negligence causes injury are the same as those that apply to anyone else.· The police did not prove any intent on the part of the possessor to use it to cause injury.· Sometimes there is a question about what precisely caused the injury.· Anyone associated with the game of rugby quite right abhors tactics which can easily cause injury.· I really believe the turf here causes a lot more injuries than grass.· And it even comes in a plastic bottle, so it can be thrown at Teddy without causing serious injury.· The early morning blast at the embassy in the capital, Sana'a, smashed windows but caused no injuries.
· He or she closed down major corporations around the world for a day-causing losses estimated at billions of dollars.· The question we ask is how small can z be without causing losses from trade to either one of these factors.· Naturally this only applies where there has been no illness or injury which would cause dramatic loss of functioning.· Unexpectedly weak earning from Motorola Inc. coupled with rising government bind yields weighed on stocks, caused widespread losses.· Oxidation of hops causes a loss and alteration of flavours.· This can cause loss of control, or at least a lot more work for the controller.· A tumour or trauma in one side of the brain causes a loss in the field of vision on the other side.
· This has been a fairly gritty chapter, all about beating up baddies, causing them pain and putting them to flight.· The resulting recession caused enormous pain across the country.· This causes no discernible pain in the vast majority of cases.· Taking an extra dollar from a rich person would cause less pain than taking an extra dollar from a poor one.· The fact that it doesn't cause you immense emotional pain doesn't mean you're not committed to it.· In fact, an ear infection alone can cause sudden severe pain as fluid builds up in the middle ear.· It will certainly cause pain and slow him down.
· Subdivision is carried out only in so far as it is profitable; too much splitting would cause more problems than it would avoid.· Sometimes doing that causes nasty structural problems, like a caved-in cake.· The apparent lack of multiple entry and exit gates on the crowd side of the airfield was bound to cause problems.· Is it possible that some aspect of his personality is causing this problem?· It is mistake which causes problems.· One kid said you should go through her stuff, but that will cause more problems than you really want.· If it's your end that's caused the problem, you might have a whole batch of mail to resend.· But when these eco-skeptics do propose solutions, they generally advocate technological adjustments that fail to address the root causes of problems.
· This is a show that would cause a sensation in London or New York.· This caused a sensation in Western countries where the threat of serious infectious disease had come to be considered remote.· But the thick, hardened layers of dead skin sometimes press on the nerve, causing a burning sensation when you walk.· When this happens the esophagus becomes irritated and inflamed, causing a burning sensation that has the potential to awaken a sleeper.· The see-through trouser suit she had designed herself had caused a sensation at Rachel Ansorge's party.· The advantage of this approach is that pain relief may be obtained without causing disturbance of sensation over the face and cornea.· It also, vitally, causes the moment of sensation to be prolonged.· Many neurologic disorders affecting the brain stem, cerebellum, and spinal cord posterior column may cause dizzy sensations.
· Read in studio Voice over Kevin Maxwell has caused a stir by turning out for his village cricket team.· Later still, the place caused a stir by refusing service to then-Sen.· In the marketplace he caused no stir.· He also caused a stir with his purchase in 1896 and resale in segments of the Trafford Park estate in Manchester.· If I may say so, it caused quite a stir.· They are marvellously done, and they have caused a stir of approval in this country, while also raising doubts.· Then some of the Cowboys players caused a stir when they hired a limousine to take them to practice.
· Yet here he is, pleading for the life of the stubborn nation that caused him nothing but trouble!· So it is at this time the contra have been causing trouble.· There are people out there who will use any excuse to cause trouble.· This could cause trouble when you bring the final rewrite home the next night.· We didn't give them a chance to cause trouble.· It covers the seventy-six areas of the tax law that cause people the most trouble regardless of the business they are in.· Don't cause any trouble and don't insist if they look like objecting.· The Empire Crusade was designed to cause the maximum trouble for the Conservative leadership.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► advance your career/a cause/your interests etc► make/find common cause (with/against somebody)► underlying cause/principle/problem etc
to make something happen, especially something bad: - At first it seemed the attempt to save the species was a lost cause.
- The miners' strike of 1984 turned out to be a lost cause.
- But they are not completely lost causes.
- In recent years he had come to feel that he was pouring all his energies into a lost cause.
- It's seems that their marriage is a lost cause in which possess the husband and wife not real affection for one another.
- Like his rebel ancestor, Buchanan is fighting a lost cause with prideful determination despite overwhelming odds.
- Like the languages in which it was born, this seems a lost cause to many.
- My patron saint was Saint Jude, the patron of lost causes.
- Stand by your principles but don't waste time on lost causes.
- That, however, is a lost cause.
- It's financial clout that counts or, failing that, kicking up a stink.
- It's for your protection, so that you have the union behind you if Mellowes kicks up a stink.
- It will still contain plenty of business and mortgage borrowers to kick up a stink about base rates.
Heavy traffic is causing delays on the freeway. The fire caused £15,000 worth of damage.cause something for somebody The oil spill is causing problems for coastal fisheries.cause concern/uncertainty/embarrassment etc The policy changes have caused great uncertainty for the workforce. I’m sorry if I caused any confusion.cause somebody trouble/problems etc You’ve caused us all a lot of unnecessary worry. Sorry, I didn’t mean to cause offence (=offend you).cause somebody/something to do something What caused you to change your mind?RegisterIn everyday English, people usually use the expression make somebody do something rather than cause somebody to do something:· What made you change your mind?GRAMMAR: Comparisoncause• Someone or something causes something: · Investigators are trying to find out what caused the accident.• Something causes a person or thing to do something: · The warmer temperatures caused the ice caps to melt.· The injury caused him to lose the game. ✗Don’t say: cause that someone does somethingmake• Someone or something makes another person or thing do something: · The warmer temperatures made the ice caps melt.· The injury made him lose the game. ✗Don’t say: make someone/something to do somethingCOLLOCATIONSnounscause a problem· The heavy rain has been causing serious problems on the roads.cause trouble· I decided not to complain because I didn’t want to cause trouble.cause damage· A fire had broken out and caused severe damage to the roof.cause (a) disease· Scientists are trying to find out what causes the disease.cause injury· Rugby is one of the sports that are most likely to cause injury.cause pain· The infection can cause severe pain.cause death· The famine caused the death of up to 400,000 people.cause (a) delay· Bad weather caused delays at many airports.cause an accident· 75% of accidents are caused by speeding.cause chaos/disruption· Floods caused chaos across much of the country.cause concern/alarm· Environmental issues are causing widespread concern.cause confusion· Teachers say the reforms will cause confusion in schools.cause offence/embarrassment (=offend/embarrass someone)· How can I refuse the invitation without causing offence?THESAURUScause to make something happen, especially something bad: · Bad weather has caused a lot of problems on the roads.· The fault caused the whole computer system to shut down.make somebody/something do something to cause someone to do something, or cause something to happen. Make is less formal than cause, and is the usual word to use in everyday English: · What made you decide to become a teacher?· I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you cry.· Gravity is the force which makes the planets move round the Sun.be responsible for something if someone or something is responsible for something bad, they caused it to happen: · The excessive heat was responsible for their deaths.· A small militant group was responsible for the bombing.bring about something to make something happen – used especially about changes or improvements: · The Internet has brought about enormous changes in society.· It’s important that we do everything we can to bring about peace.result in something if an action or event results in something, it makes that thing happen: · The fire resulted in the deaths of two children.· The decision is likely to result in a large number of job losses.lead to something to cause something to happen eventually after a period of time: · The information led to several arrests.· A poor diet in childhood can lead to health problems later in life.trigger if one event triggers another, it suddenly makes the second event happen: · The incident triggered a wave of violence.· An earthquake off Java’s southern coast triggered a tsunami.precipitate formal to make a very serious event happen very suddenly, which will affect a lot of people: · The withdrawal of foreign investment would precipitate an economic crisis.· The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand precipitated World War I.cause1 verbcause2 noun
causecause2 ●●● S2 W1 noun WORD ORIGINcause1
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French, Latin causaEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Doctors cannot find a cure for the illness until they have identified the cause.
- He no longer loved her, and with just cause, because she had betrayed him.
- I've never had any cause to complain about my doctor.
- Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the accident.
- Money from the charity dinner will go to causes chosen by the guests.
- Our cause is just, and we are prepared to give our lives for it.
- The cause of Socialism is not dead.
- The child's behaviour is giving us cause for concern.
- The root cause of the current energy crisis is that we simply use too much energy.
- There is no cause for alarm about the safety of drinking water.
- Thousands died in the cause of freedom.
- We have little sympathy for people who leave their jobs without just cause.
- Also, effects require or alternatively require other conditions as well as causes.
- But the very people who are the cause of the problem have to be part of the solution.
- Lastly, they want to give tax advantages to causes deemed worthy, or at least popular.
- Several other causes, according to their findings, often lie at the root of violence against tenants.
- The immediate cause of last week's blackouts was a large power plant suddenly going offline in Northern California.
- The persistence of black troubles, and the loss of faith in the old integrationist cause, has discredited traditional black leaders.
- These rebels felt they had a cause.
- This time, material progress did not serve the cause of the Church.
Longman Language Activatorto make something happen
· I wish you wouldn't slam the door. It makes the floor shake.· Accidents don't always just happen - people can make them happen.· Gravity is the force that makes the planets move around the sun.
to make something happen, especially something unpleasant: · Heavy traffic is causing long delays on the roads.· About half of the chemicals that were tested caused cancer in rats.· The autopsy showed that her death was caused by liver failure.cause somebody trouble/problems/anxiety etc: · As children we were always causing our parents trouble.· Try to isolate the problems that are causing you the most difficulty.cause something to do something: · The power failure caused the whole computer system to shut down.
to be the particular reason for a problem or difficulty: · After a long investigation into the fire, faulty wiring was found to be the cause.be the cause of: · It's too early to say whether this virus is actually the cause of the disease.· An explosion on board appears to be the cause of the crash.be the leading/main cause of something: · The study showed that drug use is the leading cause of crime and violence.
to be the person or thing that causes something bad to happen, for example a mistake, a problem, or a serious accident: · The number of workplace accidents is increasing, but it is not clear who or what is responsible.be responsible for: · Heart disease was responsible for most of the deaths.· He was clearly responsible for the deaths and must be punished.be largely/mainly responsible for something: · Inflation was largely responsible for the economic crisis.
if an action or event results in something, it makes something happen: · Workers fear that the company's reorganization will result in layoffs.· Months of secret talks with the rebels finally resulted in the release of the hostages.· If left untreated, the condition will eventually result in blindness.
to start a process that finally makes something happen: · His research eventually led to the development of a vaccine.· The new regulations should lead to an improvement in our water supply.· The bank has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of the robbers.
formal if a situation, event, or action gives rise to a particular feeling, situation etc, it starts the process that makes it happen: · The canal project gave rise to a malaria epidemic in the region.· The President's frequent cancellations have given rise to concerns about his health.
to make something happen, especially a change or an improved situation: bring about something: · The President will support any efforts to bring about a ceasefire.· Education is the best method of bringing about economic development.bring something about: · A lot of hard work by ordinary citizens eventually brought the changes about.
to make a particular condition that did not exist at all suddenly exist: · The white walls and mirrors helped to create an illusion of space.· Margot's outburst created an unpleasant atmosphere and most of the guests left early.· The end of the cold war helped create a situation in which more countries than ever have access to nuclear weapons.
if something makes for a particular situation, it makes it easier or more likely for that situation to exist: · The stormy weather made for a very bumpy landing.· Delicious food and wonderful company made for a very enjoyable evening.
to make someone do something · Sarah's very funny. Her jokes always make me laugh.· The things she said make me wonder if she is in some kind of trouble.· The smell was so bad it almost made me throw up.be made to do something · I was made to wait for over an hour.
to make someone or something do something. Cause is more formal than make: · A dog ran into the road, causing the cyclist to swerve.· The parents' fear of gang activity caused them to move the family to a safer neighborhood.· No-one understands what could have caused her to hate him so much.
to be the thing that makes someone do something, especially when this process takes some time: · What led you to take up teaching as a career?· It was my interest in gardens that led me to study biology.lead somebody to believe: · The negative publicity has already led many to believe that Tompkins is guilty.
if something motivates someone to do something, it makes them want to do it - use this especially to talk about the reasons why people do things that are very good, very bad, or very dangerous: motivate somebody to do something: · I don't know what motivates people to commit such crimes.be motivated by something: · He was motivated by a desire to help his fellow man.· Many in the Asian community feel that the police actions were motivated by racial bias.
formal to make someone choose to do something: · Whatever induced her to buy such an expensive car?· The state advertises a great deal to induce its citizens to buy lottery tickets.
to be the thing that makes you to do something, especially something you have been thinking of doing for some time: · It was reading his book that prompted me to write to him.· What exactly prompted him to call you in the middle of the night?
to make something bad suddenly happen if someone or something sets off a fight, war etc, it makes it start happening: set off something: · The army's invasion set off a major international crisis.set something off: · Nobody knows what set the riot off.
if a small action or event triggers or sparks serious trouble or changes, it causes them to happen very quickly: · Even the smallest diplomatic incident can trigger a major international conflict.· The assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand sparked the First World War.trigger/spark off something: · Riots, sparked off by the arrest of seven student leaders, have spread to other universities.
formal to make something serious happen, especially more quickly than was expected: · The 1929 stock market crash precipitated the collapse of the American banking system.· Both countries claimed the same area, precipitating a border war.
to be the first or basic cause of something to be the basic cause of a problem or serious situation: · Simple greed is at the root of most white-collar crime.· At the bottom of the country's economic problems is its overwhelming debt.lie at the root/bottom of something: · Difficulties with the company's overseas subsidiaries lie at the root of last year's losses.
: underlying cause/reason/factor etc a cause, reason etc that is one of the most basic and important, but which is not easy to notice: · They were treating only the symptoms of the disease rather than its underlying cause.· Climate and geography are the underlying reasons for the region's low level of economic development.
to make someone have a particular feeling: to make somebody worried/nervous/happy etc · Stop staring at me - you're making me nervous.· Money is the only thing that seemed to make him happy.· Standing up all day really makes me tired.make somebody want to do something · The whole thing was so depressing - it made me want to give up and go home.
: have somebody worried/confused/interested etc to make someone worried, confused etc, especially only for a short time: · You had me worried for a minute - I thought you weren't going to show up.· The film was so full of suspense, it had the audience on the edge of their seats.
formal make people feel interested, jealous etc: excite interest/jealousy/suspicion etc: · Arthur's enormous wealth excited the envy of his rivals.· Recent fossil finds in Africa have excited interest among palaeontologists.
written to make people have a strong interest in something or strong feelings, such as anger, fear, dislike etc: arouse anger/suspicion/fear etc: · His strange behavior aroused my suspicions.· The resignation of the managing director is certain to arouse new fears about the future of the company.arouse interest/curiosity: · The success of the recent TV series has aroused young people's curiosity about nature in general.
written to make someone have a particular emotion, thought, or reaction: · She tried everything in an attempt to evoke sympathy and pity from her parents.· Her speech today evoked surprise and outrage from many French officials.· The names Witches Well, Candlemaker Row and Grassmarket Square evoke visions of another era.
to make something such as a feeling exist and grow: · The murder trial has generated enormous public interest.· Realistic programmes about crime only serve to generate fear among the public.· Completing the project on time and under budget generated a feeling of pride and accomplishment among the team.
to deliberately make a lot of people feel interested, excited, angry etc about something that you think is important: whip up something: · It's difficult to whip up people's interest in the environment.· She's been giving speeches all over the state to whip up support for her campaign.whip somebody/something up: · Rylan has been accused of whipping crowds up into frenzies of violent hatred.
: reduce somebody to tears/silence/a bag of nerves etc to treat someone in such an unkind or unfair way, that they cry, are silent etc: · He would often yell at his wife until he had reduced her to tears.· One look from him was enough to reduce anyone to absolute silence.· Her outbursts in the classroom have the effect of reducing her students to gibbering wrecks.
to cause someone or something to be in a particular situation or condition: make somebody late/ill etc · Hurry up - you're going to make me late for work.· Something I ate last night really made me sick.make something safe/interesting/dirty etc · He could make things very difficult for us.· Engineers have been working throughout the night to make the bridge safe.· We gave the house a coat of paint to make it more attractive.make it easy/impossible/necessary etc (for somebody) to do something · The regulations should make it easier for patients to receive the treatment they need.· The increased costs made it impossible to continue producing the computers in the U.S.
to make something be in a particular condition, especially so that it is ready to be used: have something ready/organized/prepared etc: · We'll have your car ready by 3 o'clock.· I'm going to have the roof fixed as soon as I can afford it.· My parents had the little train all laid out under the tree on Christmas morning.
formal to make someone or something unable to do something, work properly, cause any damage etc: render something useless/impossible/harmless etc: · Both runways have been rendered useless by enemy bombings.· The angry exchange rendered future compromise impossible.render somebody unconscious/helpless etc: · Suddenly Packer struck a blow that rendered his victim unconscious.
to cause someone or something to suddenly be in a very bad situation: plunge somebody/something into debt/war/depression etc: · The government's uncontrolled spending has plunged the country into debt.· The growing hostility between the two parties is threatening to plunge the country into civil war.
: put somebody in a difficult/awkward/impossible situation/position to do something that causes someone difficulties, embarrassment etc: · The minister's comments have put the prime minister into a very awkward position.· I'm afraid I've been put into a rather embarrassing position.
to deliberately try to cause trouble, arguments etc formal to deliberately encourage people to cause trouble, fight, argue etc: · Four men were arrested for inciting the riot.incite somebody to something: · She was charged with inciting the crowd to violence.incite somebody to do something: · Tribal leaders are accused of inciting their followers to attack rival tribes.
if something provokes an angry situation or a reaction, they cause it, usually deliberately: · The new laws have provoked violent demonstrations in some towns.· The ambassador's offensive remarks provoked widespread criticism.provoke somebody to something: · The judge ruled that Becker provoked her husband to attack her so she could shoot him.
to deliberately try to cause arguments, fighting etc between people: stir up something: · I hope you're not trying to stir up trouble.· His series of articles on party leaders has stirred up a great deal of public controversy.stir something up: · He was accused of trying to stir rebellion up among the peasants.
to be one of the causes of something if something plays a part in something, it is one of several things that makes it happen or be successful: · Many cases of breast cancer have genetic causes, but environmental substances may also play a part.play a part in: · It is not yet known if weather conditions played a part in the accident.· The genius of the two designers has played a big part in the company's recent success.
if something contributes to a situation or event, it is one of the things that make it happen: · An increase in the price of drugs has contributed to the rising cost of medical care.· It is thought that the pilot's negligence may have contributed to the disaster.
formal: contributory cause/factor one of several causes of something that happens, but not the main cause: · Malnutrition was considered to have been a contributory cause of death.· Alcohol is a contributory factor in at least 50% of the violent crimes reported.
to believe that something is caused by a particular thing to explain a situation, event, or behaviour by saying that it is the result of something else: · Charlie's been drinking a lot lately, which I put down to stress at work.· Authorities put the acts of vandalism down to "festive high spirits" after the team's victory.· Her restlessness was put down to excitement, and nobody realised she was seriously ill.
formal to explain a situation or fact by saying that it is the result of something else: · Over 1,000 deaths a year can be attributed to drunk driving.· The low crop yields are attributed to changes in climate.· The management attributed the success of the company to the new Marketing Director.
something that makes something else happen · Doctors cannot find a cure for the illness until they have identified the cause.cause of · Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the accident.root cause (=basic cause) · The root cause of the current energy crisis is that we simply use too much energy.
one of several causes of a situation or condition: · The price of insurance depends on several factors, including the age of the car.factor in: · His girlfriend lives in London and I'm sure that was a factor in his decision to move there.key factor (=very important factor): · Money will be the key factor when we decide to buy a new house.deciding/determining factor (=the thing that finally makes something happen): · Race should never be a deciding factor in a hiring decision.
the thing or one of the things that makes you decide to do something or makes something happen: · "Why are you helping her?" "She asked me to. That's the only reason."· The main reason she quit is that she was not being paid enough.reason for/behind: · Can anyone explain the reason for the delay?· There were two reasons behind the company's failure.reason why/(that): · The reason why the economy is growing more slowly is a lack of workers.reason to do something: · There's no reason to doubt what she says.
the first causes from which a situation, condition etc has developed: origins of: · The origins of the crisis were very complex.· Other cultures' beliefs about the origins of disease often differ from our own.have origins in: · Many of our attitudes to the issue of race have their origins in the colonialism of days gone by.
the main or most important cause of a situation or condition: root of: · The roots of the wars in the Balkans go back hundreds of years.get to the root of something (=discover the most important cause): · We need to get to the root of the problem.
an event, action, or situation that helps a process to develop more quickly: · The appointment of a new director gave the project immediate stimulus.stimulus to: · The surge in new housing construction ought to provide a stimulus to the economy.
an event, action, or situation that helps something to develop more quickly: impetus for/behind: · The impetus for change in the industry was provided by a new management team.· Press criticism has been the main impetus behind the government reforms.give impetus to something: · The Surgeon General's speech will give new impetus to the anti-smoking campaign.
certain to fail something that is pointless is unlikely to have a very useful or successful result, so it would be better not to do it or try it: · The argument was completely pointless.· Most people think the project is a pointless waste of money.pointless exercise: · Speculating like that was always a pointless exercise, but he did it nevertheless.it is pointless to do something: · It's pointless to take notes and then never look at them again.it is pointless doing something: · She decided it was pointless trying to work while her mind was on other things.
especially spoken something that is a waste of time is unlikely to achieve any useful result, so you would be wasting your time if you tried to do it: · Many people think that complaining about bad service is a waste of time.a complete/total waste of time: · These meetings are a complete waste of time. Nothing ever gets decided.it is a waste of time doing something: · It's a waste of time going to the doctor - he'll just tell you to get plenty of rest.
spoken say this when you think that it is useless to do something because you will not achieve anything useful by doing it: · "Why don't you try to explain things to him?" "There's no point, he never listens."· I was going to buy a new car, but what's the point when my old one's perfectly all right?there's no point (in) doing something: · There's no point getting a new carpet until the decorating's done.what's the point in/of doing something?: · What's the point of giving a signal when there are no other cars around to see it?
not having any chance at all of succeeding: · Attempts to clean up the environment are doomed unless businesses take a leading role.· Within a few months she realized that her marriage was doomed.doomed to failure: · If you refuse to provide any information to the user, then your computer program is doomed to failure.doomed from the start: · Their business venture was doomed from the start, as they did not have the necessary capital.
something that you try to make successful, although it seems very clear to other people that it cannot succeed: · At first it seemed the attempt to save the species was a lost cause.· The miners' strike of 1984 turned out to be a lost cause.
British an idea or plan that will definitely not be successful: · Everybody would prefer a lower rate of tax, but that that is a non-starter economically.· The project would have been a non-starter without the help of Judith Glyn.
when someone fights for or against something when people try hard for a long time to stop something bad from happening or to improve a situation: fight against: · New laws have been passed to help the police in their fight against organized crime.· The fight against malnutrition and preventable diseases must continue.fight for: · Women's fight for equality has not ended.· He was a hero in the fight for independence from France.
when people try for many years to get freedom, independence, or equal rights, and a lot of people suffer, are killed, or are put in prison: · Many freedom fighters were imprisoned, but they never gave up the struggle.struggle for: · Nkrumah led the people in their struggle for independence.struggle against: · He devoted his life to the struggle against fascism and oppression.
when a person or group tries hard for a long time to change a bad situation, or deal with a problem in society: battle against: · The battle against racial discrimination is not over.· The President is fully committed to the battle against the drug traffickers.win the battle against something: · They now have a good chance of winning the battle against violence and drugs in the community.
a planned set of actions or events, such as public meetings, letters to the government etc, that is intended to persuade the public that something is bad or unfair and should be changed: campaign for: · Motoring organizations have started a campaign for safer roads in the area.· the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmamentcampaign against: · Our campaign against drug abuse is supported by the medical profession.vigorous campaign (=a very strong campaign): · Clark's vigorous campaign against the dumping of nuclear waste will continue.launch/mount a campaign (=start a campaign): · Environmental groups launched a campaign against the widespread production of genetically modified crops.
a fight that someone continues for a long time, because they feel strongly that something is morally wrong and must be changed: · As a politician she's made the fight for women's rights into a personal crusade.crusade against: · She intends to continue her crusade against sex and violence on TV.crusade for: · He has begun a crusade for gun control.
something such as a principle or political aim that people fight for - used especially by the people involved in fighting for it: · Our cause is just, and we are prepared to give our lives for it.cause of: · Thousands died in the cause of freedom.· The cause of Socialism is not dead.
a planned effort by an organization, government etc to achieve a change within a short time that will improve a particular situation: · The Health Department launched an anti-smoking drive.economy drive (=a drive to reduce spending) British: · The government's economy drive has failed to produce the expected savings.
why something is right or should be done: reason (why/that) · The reason why we need these laws is to protect children from violent adults.reason to do something · I can think of lots of reasons to get married.· You may be dissatisfied, but is that sufficient reason to resign?have every reason to do something (=to have very good reasons for doing something) · We have every reason to believe he is guilty.with good reason (=when it is right or fair that someone does something) · The school is proud of its record, and with good reason.
one of the reasons that someone uses to try to persuade someone to agree with them: argument that: · Do you agree with the argument that violence on TV makes people behave violently?argument for/against (=a reason why something should or should not be done): · What are the arguments for the legalization of cannabis?· The main argument against smoking is that it's bad for your health.
a good reason for doing something that seems wrong: · She had her residence permit taken away, without any justificationjustification for: · There's no justification for cruelty.justification for doing something: · What justification can there be for paying women lower wages?
the reason that makes it right or fair for someone to do something - use this especially in legal or official contexts: grounds for: · Is mental cruelty sufficient grounds for divorce?on the grounds of something (=for this reason): · He had been fired from his job on the grounds of incompetence.· On what grounds are you claiming compensation?on the grounds that: · She was prohibited from speaking to the students on the grounds that it would stir up trouble.
a strong reason that makes you think you are right to feel or behave in a particular way: cause to do something: · I've never had any cause to complain about my doctor.with good/just cause formal: · He no longer loved her, and with just cause, because she had betrayed him.without good/just cause formal: · We have little sympathy for people who leave their jobs without just cause.cause for complaint/alarm/concern etc: · The child's behaviour is giving us cause for concern.· There is no cause for alarm about the safety of drinking water.
formal the reason or series of reasons that someone has used to support a plan, suggestion, change etc: rationale for/behind: · In the document he explains the rationale for his plan to build a car for the African market.· If you do not understand the rationale behind any action you are asked to take, be sure to find out.
to have a good reason for thinking or doing something to have a good reason to behave in a particular way, especially in a way that you would not normally behave, or in a way that other people would usually disapprove of: · She's just got her exam results; she has the right to be proud of herself.· The problems are genuine and people have the right to be concerned.have every right to be something (=have a very good reason to feel something): · After what happened last time we bought a car, I think we have every right to be wary.
if you are justly proud, angry, critical etc, you have a good reason for feeling this way or reacting in this way: · The Chinese are justly proud of their ancient culture.· The press has been justly critical of the delays in paying compensation.· Bordeaux is an area of France justly famous for its red wine.
if someone does something, feels something, or thinks something with good cause or good reason , they have a good reason for what they do or think or feel: have good cause/reason to do something: · The coach, watching his team, feels he has good reason to expect them to win.for good cause/reason: · The company has been held up as a model employer, and for good reason. They have a good training program and excellent benefits.with good cause/reason: · She is a jealous wife, and with good cause.
formal if someone says or does something rightly , they are right and have good reasons to say it or do it: · The U.S. is rightly cautious about becoming involved.· Taxpayers rightly expect the government to be careful about spending.rightly so: · Residents are outraged, and rightly so.quite rightly: · Investors have quite rightly avoided this stock.
WORD SETSaccess, nounacquit, verbacquittal, nounactionable, adjectiveact of God, nounadjourn, verbadminister, verbadmissible, adjectiveADR, nounadversarial, adjectiveadvocate, nounaffidavit, nounage, nounaggrieved, adjectiveagreement, nounannual return, anti-dumping, adjectiveantitrust, adjectiveAppeal Court, nounappear, verbappellate court, nounarraign, verbarticled clerk, articles of association, nounassignee, nounassizes, nounattachment, nounattest, verbattorney, nounattorney-at-law, nounattorney general, nounaverage clause, bailable, adjectivebailee, nounbailiff, nounbailment, nounban, nounbarrister, nounbeneficial owner, beneficiary, nounbequeath, verbbequest, nounbest efforts, adjectivebid-rigging, nounbill, nounbill of rights, nounblue law, nounbody corporate, bond, nounbook, verbbox, nounbreakdown clause, break fee, brief, nounbroker's lien, burden of proof, nounbusiness entity, buyer's risk, bylaw, nouncabotage, nouncadastre, nouncase, nouncase law, nouncash shell, nouncause, nouncause célèbre, nouncause of action, nouncaution, nouncaution, verbcertificate of incorporation, nouncertificate of protest, nouncertificate of search, nounchain of title, nounchallenge, nounchallenge, verbchancery, nounChapter 7, nouncharge, nouncharge, verbcharges register, chief justice, nouncircuit court, nouncite, verbcitizen's arrest, nouncivil, adjectivecivil law, nounclaim, nounclaimant, nounclass action, nounclause, nounclean, adjectivecloud on title, nouncollusion, nouncommerce clause, committal, nouncommon law, nouncommunity property, nounCommunity Reinvestment Act, nouncommutation, nounCompanies House, nouncompanies registry, company limited by guarantee, nouncompany limited by shares, nouncompany officer, competence, nouncompetent, adjectivecomplainant, nouncompletion, nouncompletion date, compliance officer, compulsory purchase, nounconditional discharge, nouncondition precedent, nouncondition subsequent, nounconduct money, confidentiality clause, confirmation hearing, conflict of laws, nounconjugal, adjectiveconsensus ad idem, nounconsent decree, consenting adult, nounconservator, nounconstituted, adjectiveconstitution, nounconstitutional, adjectiveconstitutionality, nouncontempt, nouncontest, verbcontingency fee, contract of insurance, nouncontract of purchase, nouncontract of service, nouncontravene, verbcontravention, nouncontributory negligence, nounconvey, verbconveyance, nounconveyancing, nounconvict, verbconviction, nouncopyright, nounco-respondent, nouncosignatory, nouncounsel, nouncounty court, nouncourthouse, nouncourt-martial, nouncourt-martial, verbCourt of Appeal, nounCourt of Appeals, nouncourt of inquiry, nouncourt of law, nounCourt of Queen's Bench, nouncourt order, nouncourt reporter, nouncourtroom, nouncramdown, nouncriminal, adjectivecriminal injury, criminalize, verbcriminal law, nouncross-examine, verbCrown Court, nouncurfew, nouncustodial, adjectiveD.A., noundata protection, death sentence, noundeath warrant, noundeclaration of association, noundecree, noundecree absolute, noundecree nisi, noundecriminalize, verbdeed, noundeed of conveyance, noundefalcation, noundefend, verbdefendant, noundeficiency judgment, noundeficiency judgment, de jure, adjectivedeposition, noundeputy, nounderivative lease, desertion, noundiminished responsibility, noundiplomatic immunity, noundirectors register, disabled quota, disbar, verbdischarge of contract, noundisclaim, verbdisclaimer, noundiscretionary, adjectivedisinherit, verbdismiss, verbdispense, verbdisposition, noundispossess, verbdissent, noundissolution, noundistrain, verbdistrict attorney, noundistrict court, noundivorce, noundivorce, verbdivorced, adjectivedocket, noundonee, noundouble jeopardy, noundraftsman, noundrink-driving, noundrunk driving, noundue process, nounduress, nouneasement, nounedict, nouneffective, adjectiveeminent domain, nounempower, verbenabling, adjectiveenabling clause, enact, verbendowment, nounenforced, adjectiveenjoin, verbescape clause, escrow, nounescrow agent, estate, nounestoppel, nounevidence, nounexamination, nounexamination-in-chief, nounexamine, verbexculpate, verbexecute, verbexecutor, nounexecutrix, nounexhibit, nounexpectations, nounex post facto law, nounexpropriate, verbextradite, verbextrajudicial, adjectivefair dealing, false representation, nounfee absolute, nounfiduciary, nounfiduciary, adjectivefinding, nounfirm name, nounfixtures and fittings, nounforce majeure, nounforeman, nounforewoman, nounfreeholder, nounfree pardon, nounfrustration of contract, fugitive, nounfugitive, adjectivegagging order, gag order, noungarnishee, verbgarnishee, noungeneral counsel, noungeneral practice, noungive, verbgrand jury, noungrantee, noungrantor, noungreen paper, noungross misconduct, ground rent, nounguarantee, verbguarantor, nounguaranty, nounguillotine, verbguilt, noungun control, nounhabeas corpus, nounHague Rules, nounhear, verbhearing, nounheir, nounheir apparent, nounhereafter, adverbhereditament, nounhereinafter, adverbhereof, adverbhereto, adverbheritable, adjectiveHigh Court, nounHighway Code, nounhirer, nounhuman right, nounimplied term, inadmissible, adjectiveinalienable, adjectiveincriminate, verbindemnify, verbindemnity, nounindict, verbindictable, adjectiveindictment, nounindustrial tribunal, nouninitiative, nouninjunction, nounin loco parentis, adverbinnocence, nouninnocent, adjectiveinoperative, adjectiveinquest, nouninsanity, nouninstruct, verbintellectual property, nounintent, nouninterdict, nouninterlocutory injunction, invoke, verbJane Doe, nounjob quota, joint and several liability, JP, nounjudge, nounjudge, verbjudicial, adjectivejuridical, adjectivejurisdiction, nounjurisprudence, nounjurist, nounjuror, nounjury, nounjury box, nounjury service, nounjustice, nounJustice of the Peace, nounjustifiable homicide, nounjuvenile, adjectivekangaroo court, nounKing's Counsel, nounlaw firm, nounlawyer, nounlease, nounleasehold, adjectiveleaseholder, nounlegatee, nounlegator, nounlessee, nounlessor, nounletters of administration, nounliable, adjectivelicensee, nounlien, nounlienee, nounlienor, nounlimited liability, nounliquidated damages, litigant, nounlitigate, verblitigation, nounlitigator, nounlitigious, adjectiveliving will, nounloophole, nounmagisterial, adjectivemagistracy, nounmagistrate, nounMagistrates' Court, nounmaintenance, nounmajority, nounmalfeasance, nounmalpractice, nounmarriage certificate, nounmarriage licence, nounmarriage lines, nounmaterial, adjectivematerial fact, nounmemorandum, nounmiscarriage of justice, nounmisdirect, verbmisfeasance, nounmisstatement, nounmistrial, nounM'lord, nounM'lud, nounmoiety, nounmonies, nounmoot court, nounmoratorium, nounmovable, nounno-fault, adjectivenolo contendere, nounnonfeasance, nounnon-negotiable, adjectivenotary, nounnuisance, nounnullify, verbnullity, nounoath, nounopen-and-shut case, nounopen verdict, nounoperative mistake, nounordinance, nounoriginating application, originating summons, outlaw, nounout-of-court settlement, nounoyez, interjectionpalimony, nounpanel, nounparalegal, nounpardon, verbpardon, nounparty, nounpass, verbpassage, nounpatent, nounpatent, adjectivepaternity, nounpaternity suit, nounpatrimony, nounpenal code, nounpenalty, nounperformance contract, perjury, nounpersonal injury, personal representative, personalty, nounpetition, nounpetition, verbpetitioner, nounplaintiff, nounplanning permission, nounplea bargaining, nounpleadings, nounpledgee, nounpolice, verbpositive discrimination, nounpower of attorney, nounprecedent, nounprejudice, verbpreservation order, nounpresume, verbprice-fixing, nounprima facie, adjectiveprimary residence, prime tenant, primogeniture, nounprivate law, nounprivileged, adjectiveprivity, nounprobate, nounprobate, verbprobation, nounprobationer, nounprobation officer, nounpro bono, adjectiveprocedural, adjectiveproceeding, nounproceedings, nounprohibit, verbprohibition, nounprohibitive, adjectivepromulgate, verbpronounce, verbproposition, nounproscribe, verbprosecute, verbprosecution, nounprosecutor, nounprotective custody, nounprove, verbprovision, nounprovisional licence, nounproximate cause, nounpublic defender, nounpublic prosecutor, nounpublic service vehicle, punishable, adjectiveQC, nounquarter sessions, nounquash, verbQueen's Counsel, nounreal property, nounrecess, nounrecess, verbrecognition, nounrecognizance, nounrecorder, nounreeve, nounregulation, nounremand, verbremand, nounrepeal, verbrescind, verbrespondent, nounrestoration, nounrestore, verbretainer, nounretrial, nounretroactive, adjectiveretrospective, adjectiveretry, verbreversion, nounrevocation, nounrevoke, verbRex, nounright of appeal, nounroad tax, nounroot of title, royalty payment, rule, verbruling, nounsaid, adjectivesalami slicing, nounSarbanes-Oxley Act, nounscheme of arrangement, nounsentence, nounsentence, verbsequester, verbsession, nounsettlement date, settlement terms, shall, modal verbshell company, sheriff, nounsheriff court, nounshow trial, nounsitting tenant, nounsmall claims court, nounsolicitor, nounsolicitor general, nounSOX, nounspecial licence, nounspecific performance, speed limit, nounstakeholder, nounstate attorney, nounstate court, nounstated case, statute, nounstatute law, nounstatute of limitations, nounstatutory, adjectivestatutory report, stay, nounstay of execution, nounstipendiary magistrate, nounstoppage in transit, nounsub judice, adverbsubmission, nounsuborn, verbsubpoena, nounsubpoena, verbsue, verbsuit, nounsumming up, nounsumming-up, nounsummons, nounsummons, verbSupreme Court, nounsurety, nounsuspended sentence, nounswear, verbtechnicality, nountenant at sufferance, nountenant at will, nountenant for years, nountenant in common, nountenure, nountestament, nountestator, nountest case, nountest certificate, nountestify, verbtestimony, nounthereinafter, adverbthird party, nounthrough, prepositionticket, nounticket, verbtitle, nountitle deed, nountitle holder, nountort, nountradename, nounTrading Standards, treasure trove, nountrespass, verbtrespass, nountrial, nountrust for sale, nounultra vires, adjectiveunderwriting power, undue influence, noununlicensed, adjectiveuphold, verbverdict, nounvindicate, verbvisa, nounvoucher, nounward, nounwarrant, nounwhereas, conjunctionwill, nounwill, verbwinding up, nounwitness, nounwitness, verbwitness box, nounwrit, nounwrongful termination,
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 1adjectives I hope he doesn’t cause any aggro. The rebels have inflicted heavy casualties. One of the chief causes of crime today is drugs. Everyone looked to see what was causing the commotion. The government’s plans have caused considerable consternation among many Americans. The National Lottery provides extra money for deserving causes. His appointment caused disquiet among members. The strike caused widespread disruption. He espoused a variety of scientific, social and political causes. Having my mother living with us causes friction at home. The security leaks have caused a widespread furore. A strike will cause havoc for commuters. The astringent can cause irritation to sensitive skin. For some children, the first fall of snow is an opportunity to create mayhem. death from natural causes Police can remove a vehicle that is causing an obstruction. The proposed changes caused an angry outcry from residents. the root causes of crime Plans for the motorway caused quite a stir among locals. We decided to give the money to a worthwhile cause (=one that helps people).COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· Alcohol is the most common cause of road accidents.
· Smoking is the main cause of lung disease.
· In this country, debt is a major cause of homelessness.· Drug abuse is the leading cause of crime and violence.
· Government policies are the direct cause of the problems facing the economy.
(=the most basic cause)· People often deal with the symptoms rather than the root cause of a problem.
(=the root cause)· The underlying cause of insomnia is often anxiety.
· The probable cause of the fire was faulty wiring.
verbs· An investigation has failed to discover the cause of the epidemic.
(=discover definitely what it is)· A team of experts is at the scene of the accident, trying to determine the cause.
· Police are still investigating the cause of the fire.
phrases· A snake bite was the cause of death.
(=die of illness, old age etc, not because of an accident or crime)· He died from natural causes, believed to be a heart attack.
(=the idea that one thing directly causes another)· What happened was simply a question of cause and effect.
Meaning 3adjectives (=one that is worth supporting, for example a charity)· The money we are raising is for a good cause.
(=a good cause)· The Red Cross is a very worthy cause.
(=an aim that is fair and right)· The rebels believed that they were fighting for a just cause.
(=an aim that is morally good)· He died for a noble cause.
(=their aims and organization)· The election results were a serious blow to the Nationalist cause.
verbs· Giving money is only one way of supporting a good cause.
(=take action to achieve an aim)· Young people often want to fight for a cause.
(=publicly support an aim)· He has championed the cause of renewable energy since the 1980s.
(=help to achieve an aim)· He did much to advance the cause of freedom.
(=believe in an aim very strongly)· We are committed to the cause of racial justice.
(=understand an aim, and possibly support it)· They hope the new president will be sympathetic to their cause.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES I hope he doesn’t cause any aggro.· The memory seemed to cause him great amusement.
· Their nuclear programme is causing mounting anxiety among other nations, especially Israel.
· He was deliberately trying to start an argument.· Money often causes arguments.
· Tax cuts sometimes lead to an economic boom.
· Money problems often cause marriage breakdown.
The rebels have inflicted heavy casualties.· Snow has caused chaos on the roads this morning.
One of the chief causes of crime today is drugs. Everyone looked to see what was causing the commotion.· Patients sometimes have cause to complain about the hospital treatment they receive.
(=a good reason to complain)· I do not think that he has any cause for complaint.
· The announcement will cause concern in the Middle East.
· Rising global temperatures are a cause for serious concern.
· Sometimes very small disagreements can cause conflict within a family.
· English spelling often causes confusion for learners.
The government’s plans have caused considerable consternation among many Americans.· His speech caused great controversy.
· The people fled the country, creating a huge refugee crisis.
· We surveyed the damage caused by the bomb.
· We still don't know what caused his death.
· The cause of death was a bullet in his chest.
· Bacteria stick to food and cause decay.
· The use of agricultural chemicals has led to a decline in water quality.
· The bad weather caused a three-hour delay in sending out rescue helicopters.
The National Lottery provides extra money for deserving causes.· It's clear that the bomb was intended to cause death and destruction.
· Stress and worry both cause sleep difficulties.
· This is a policy that has caused an enormous amount of disagreement.
· Smoking is probably the major factor causing heart disease.
His appointment caused disquiet among members. The strike caused widespread disruption.· Several people were arrested for creating a disturbance outside the embassy.
· Some of his jokes caused embarrassment to the older members of the audience.
· Acid rain has caused serious erosion, and now the entire hillside could slide down.
He espoused a variety of scientific, social and political causes.· The arrival of a stranger caused some excitement in the village.
· The police do not yet know what caused the explosion.
(=make an animal, plant etc stop existing)· Exactly what caused the extinction of the dinosaurs?
Having my mother living with us causes friction at home.· A burst tyre was the fundamental cause of the crash.
The security leaks have caused a widespread furore.· The severe winter caused great hardship in remote villages.
· Very small amounts of the chemical cause no lasting harm.
A strike will cause havoc for commuters.· There was concern that overhead power lines could cause a health hazard.
· The drug can cause headaches.
· Inadequate hygiene can lead to illness.
· His carelessness caused a major incident.
· The heat wave brought about a massive increase in water consumption.
· Certain economic systems inevitably result in inequality.
· Too much government borrowing can lead to inflation.
· The injury was caused by flying glass from the car windscreen.
The astringent can cause irritation to sensitive skin.· A partner's involvement with friends, family, or work colleagues can cause jealousy.
· the likely cause of the accident
For some children, the first fall of snow is an opportunity to create mayhem. (=do things that cause trouble or damage)· Boys were wandering around, out to cause mischief.
· Hearing loss can cause misunderstandings, when what you say is not correctly heard.· Don’t just assume that you know what he means; that can lead to misunderstandings.
death from natural causes· The medicine can cause nausea and dizziness.
Police can remove a vehicle that is causing an obstruction.· The lower crime figures are certainly grounds for optimism.
The proposed changes caused an angry outcry from residents.· The earthquake caused widespread panic.
· The factory was a clear source of pollution.· Fumes from cars are a major cause of air pollution.
· The building’s lack of parking space could cause problems.
(=make someone ill)· Wheat is one of the foods that are most likely to cause a reaction.
· Rising oil prices help to fuel inflation and cause recession.
· The special arrangements for overseas students caused resentment among the other students.
· When the election results were announced, it caused riots in the capital.
the root causes of crime· The vicar caused a scandal by having an affair with a young woman.
· The drug can produce strange sensations in some patients.
· The affair has brought about a shift in the government’s attitude towards immigration.
· Poor harvests could cause food shortages in the winter.
· I’m not saying that TV violence is the sole cause of violence in society.
Plans for the motorway caused quite a stir among locals.· The prime minister caused a storm by criticizing military commanders.
· Moving house often causes stress.
· Balancing work and family is the main cause of stress for many people.
· Make a note of which foods cause the symptoms, and which do not.
· I hope the delay hasn’t caused you any trouble.
· Stress is the underlying cause of many illnesses.
· People blamed immigrants for causing unemployment.
· The introduction of new working practices provoked severe industrial unrest.
· The virus causes people to sweat.
· Her children were a constant source of worry.
We decided to give the money to a worthwhile cause (=one that helps people).· But Will took it lying down - all in a good cause of course.· Eat fish for a good cause.· This means made without good cause or excuse and could extend to a reckless statement.· There was widespread alarm, and there was good cause for it.· The tenor of the 1976 Act is permissive: a licence should be granted unless good cause is shown justifying refusal.· There speaks the nineteenth century: all gone, but in a good cause.· It is a worthwhile investment in a very good cause.· That money could have gone to so many good causes.
· One important cause of residential segregation is competition for access to preferred forms of housing.· The more important causes seen in an outpatient practice are discussed below.· A series of such oscillations, aided perhaps by marine erosion, is probably an important cause of island formation.· Success-even getting better-is made really important and a cause for celebration with noise and pageantry.· In so doing, they probably constituted the most important single cause of the subsequent civil war and revolution.· There will be a food court, beer stalls and fun to be had by all while benefiting an important cause.· Because infection with Vibrio cholerae is an important cause of diarrhoea, we decided to use cholera toxin as intestinal secretagogue.· These two physical symptoms are the most important causes of disability and failure to convalesce.
· As to likely causes, the out-of-round wheels phenomenon looks feasible.· Hypokalemia is usually associated with this condition and is a more likely cause of the arrhythmias.· But one might be forgiven for doubting if this is the most likely cause of the toxic side-effects of direct drilling!· Flying experts again reckoned a cockpit mistake was the most likely cause of yesterday's catastrophe.· And if I insisted he came with me, he'd likely cause trouble, just as he said.· A spokesman for Greenpeace said that industrial pollution appeared to be the most likely cause.· What do you think is the most likely cause of your symptoms?· Given that the doctor has ruled out infection and other likely causes for the diarrhoea, then food sensitivity should be considered.
· My patron saint was Saint Jude, the patron of lost causes.· A lost cause, the old woman reflected sadly.· Stand by your principles but don't waste time on lost causes.· All credit to Bann, though for not shutting-up-shop on an already lost cause as Mark Carson pegged it back.· It's seems that their marriage is a lost cause in which possess the husband and wife not real affection for one another.· But they are not completely lost causes.· When he took his second 6 at the ninth after tangling with bushes, he looked a lost cause.· In one sense, Mentmore was a lost cause even before we began.
· The main cause is the expansion of farming on to permanent grassland and the widespread use of fertilisers.· The death of your guppies could stem from two main causes - a duff batch or, more seriously, Guppy Disease.· Chronic dietary insufficiency is thought to be the single main cause but the mechanism is unclear.· In other words, money supply growth is the main cause of inflation.· But another main cause, particularly relevant to the south, is the massive rise in development.· Most climate scientists now agree that human activity is the main cause of global warming.· The fashion for tanned skin is the main cause of the doubling of malignant skin cancers in the last ten years.
· Some officials relied on the evidence of headmen; others believed that the intrigues of headmen were a major cause of crime.· It is also the major cause of primary liver cell carcinoma. 7.· By the 1970s, researchers discovered that a major cause of childhood blindness in Third World countries was vitamin A deficiency.· The third major cause of patchiness is energy subsidy.· One major cause of the current correction, many analysts and tech executives say, resides on Wall Street.· With even greater environmental rigour, harshness itself is a major direct cause of community structure.· The inability to control this growth is a major cause of business failures.
· In my view death resulting from it is a death by natural causes.· He then went to live with his paternal grandparents, who died of natural causes soon after his placement with them.· The machine was not switched off, but Mr Lavelle died of natural causes, police said.· Park officials defended their care of Yaka, insisting she died of natural causes after a lengthy illness.· The statistics include heart attacks and other natural causes as well as accidents to hikers, climbers, and mountain workers.· It is believed Mr Stamp died from natural causes.· Merseyside coroner Roy Barter recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.
· Here we discuss a different aspect of the problem: their possible underlying cause.· Scientists have begun to investigate and to identify some of the possible causes, which may differ from species to species.· The objective of this chapter is to consider the possible causes of this cyclical movement in economic activity.· What are the possible causes of work inhibition?· Read in studio A new theory has emerged tonight about the possible cause of the Hercules crash in which nine airmen died.· Later chapters will explore the parent-child relationship as a possible cause of work inhibition.· What then are the possible causes of conflict within organisations?· Eating refined carbohydrates such as those above can raise the blood cholesterol level, and is a possible cause of heart disease.
· Only by dispossessing him can we turn to the real causes of human behavior.· Crying with real cause, he begged her not to die.· The real causes of the disease are still a mystery.· This playing both arsonist and fire department is the real cause of the arms race in the region.· Children can compete for the parent's favour and help, which obscures the real cause of the argument.· She could almost feel the fangs at her throat, and knew the real cause of the choking sensation was fear.· The real cause of war and strife is not religion, but man's inhumanity to man.· Whatever the recorded cause of death-leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, pneumonia-the real cause is poverty.
· He would then have reasonable cause to believe that an offence had been committed.· Any person who without reasonable cause fails to comply may be sent to prison for not more than six months.· Potts J. dismissed the defendants' application to strike out the statement of claim as disclosing no reasonable cause of action.· We will legislate to bring into use dwellings left empty without reasonable cause for more than a year.· It disclosed no reasonable cause of action and was frivolous and vexatious.
· While the underlying cause of the riots was multi-faceted deprivation some of the incidents were sparked off by police action.· Here we discuss a different aspect of the problem: their possible underlying cause.· So the underlying cause of the fall in investment is the decline in profitability.· It is therefore seldom appropriate to treat disorders of language and communication by trying to influence presumed underlying causes.· Competition between a large mass of parasites and the host for nutrients may be the underlying cause of this weight loss.· Conventional discussion of the breakup of the boom and its underlying causes are generally inadequate.· The underlying cause of all this was the girl's future.
· Membership of these and other worthy causes mean that our countryside is not lost to over development.· Except all these worthy causes will be lucky to see half that $ 40 million.· Any spare cash he preferred to donate to more worthy causes.· She hoped that she did not appear to others like a worthy cause.· Certainly we're called on to make a large number of personal appearances, frequently for worthy causes.· The same logic extends easily to all sorts of other apparently worthy causes.· Would you please consider donating to this worthy cause.
NOUN· The main inhibitors to progress, and the root causes of fear, can include: Unrealistic personal goals and expectations.· What are the root causes? 4.· Health promotion - keeping people healthy, and treating the root causes of ill health.· The root cause of these crises is not that things are being done poorly.· Admittedly, the back condition responsible is partly congenital, but that can not disguise the root cause, namely over-use.· But Didion is interested in root causes, not in immediate provocations.· Faulty circulation is thought to be the root cause of the disorder.· Like retrenching, the technique of restricting behavior betrays a peculiar logic about performance and its root causes.
VERB· Because of this experience he came to champion the cause of psychiatry and of a high-minded version of socialism.· If the church is to be truly pro-life, how can it help but champion the cause of battered women?· Indeed, it was a pleasure for us to hear him champion the cause of unilateralism.· Odd how no traditional civil rights or liberal black leader stepped forth to champion her cause.· It is enshrined in draft legislation sponsored by Mario Segni, who championed the cause of electoral reform.· Hopefully, these opinion-formers will champion the act's cause and gradually the public will be interested enough to find out more.· Nor was Wilkins a layman championing a secular cause.· It champions the cause of good beer and good pubs.
· We have already discovered some of the causes of many kinds of cancer, which have been mentioned earlier in this book.· By the 1970s, researchers discovered that a major cause of childhood blindness in Third World countries was vitamin A deficiency.· Relying on tablets for the relief of pain without trying to discover its cause can be positively dangerous.· We too had a humming in the dead of night for about two years until we discovered the cause.· His glee made Bowring nervous about discovering its cause.· Castle, this 1959 thriller casts Price as a mad scientist who discovers the biological cause of fear in human beings.· In their anomalous behaviour electric arcs seemed to defy Ohm's Law and she discovered the cause of this.· What is more important is to discover the causes of delay, without which general conclusions are likely to be unhelpful.
· The Staffordshire authorities are carrying out an inquest into the accident to establish the exact cause of death.· But 4 postmortem examinations have failed to establish the cause of his death.· The important issue, before deciding upon remedial action, is to establish the cause of the movement.· Connections had postponed running plans for the previously unbeaten Tenby until they had established the cause of his failure.· Investigators are still at the scene in Woodside Road, trying to establish the cause of the blaze.· The three year survey will establish the cause of the decline and decide whether a closed season is necessary.· A postmortem examination failed to establish a definite cause of death and the results of further forensic tests are awaited.· But the Crown Prosecution Service has dropped the case after four post mortems failed to establish a cause of death.
· This report gives a considerable cause for optimism.· Last week's extraordinary results give them both a cause.· He had smiled then and said that despite my generosity he would give no cause for jealousy.· Gifts given without cause and beyond the ability to expend, self-sacrifices which seem so noble at the time compose propitiation.· Construction faults, equipment failure and inadequate training of staff were given as the major causes of incidents.· Every repetition of a libel gives a fresh cause of action against the persons responsible for the repetition.· He has just the one daughter and that girl has given him great cause for concern.· Yet paradoxically the bird is now giving serious cause for alarm to environmentalists because of a decline in the breeding population.
· The Smiths were not helping this cause.· East Village redevelopment, done right, could help almost everybody's causes, even a ballpark.· The physician must establish a sympathetic rapport with the patient to help elucidate possible causes and contributing factors.· Kansas' 51 points in the Aloha Bowl did not help his cause.· Mr Torres's two drunk-driving arrests did not help his cause.· At the same time, companies also help out charities or causes through the sale of products.· In a sense, they do not help our cause.· At Griffith Park in 1939, Jimmy Demaret helped his cause in the third round by clever use of his wedge.
· He used Pareto analysis to identify the principal cause as a loose loading arm.· Such studies are often the first integral step toward identifying the cause of an infectious disease outbreak.· Try to identify any recurrent causes of stress.· Scientists have attempted for many years to identify a cause for canker sores but have not been successful to date.· Investigations have so far failed to identify the cause.· The real progress comes from identifying the cause of the error early and then eliminating the cause early.· Overall, Skocpol's comparisons identify the causes and consequences of social revolution.· It took four days for the company to identify the real cause.
· In investigating the causes of absenteeism from work, for example, researchers have found different contributory factors.· Firemen were still investigating the cause yesterday of the fire at Mossa Grange Farm in Yafforth.· We therefore investigated the causes of this complication.· Almost certainly under Westminster pressure, O'Neill announced the Cameron Commission to investigate the causes of the disturbances.· Mrs Aquino, we are investigating the cause of death of Inday Rodriguez.· Police believe the body may have been in the field for several weeks and they're still investigating the cause of death.· Surrey police are investigating the cause.· It held up tram traffic for several hours, while the police investigated the cause.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► advance your career/a cause/your interests etc► make/find common cause (with/against somebody)► underlying cause/principle/problem etc
1[countable] a person, event, or thing that makes something happencause of- At first it seemed the attempt to save the species was a lost cause.
- The miners' strike of 1984 turned out to be a lost cause.
- But they are not completely lost causes.
- In recent years he had come to feel that he was pouring all his energies into a lost cause.
- It's seems that their marriage is a lost cause in which possess the husband and wife not real affection for one another.
- Like his rebel ancestor, Buchanan is fighting a lost cause with prideful determination despite overwhelming odds.
- Like the languages in which it was born, this seems a lost cause to many.
- My patron saint was Saint Jude, the patron of lost causes.
- Stand by your principles but don't waste time on lost causes.
- That, however, is a lost cause.
- It's financial clout that counts or, failing that, kicking up a stink.
- It's for your protection, so that you have the union behind you if Mellowes kicks up a stink.
- It will still contain plenty of business and mortgage borrowers to kick up a stink about base rates.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for American women in their 40s. It’s our job to establish the cause of the fire.2[uncountable] a fact that makes it right or reasonable for you to feel or behave in a particular way SYN reasoncause for There is no cause for alarm. The patient’s condition is giving cause for concern. The present political climate gives little cause for optimism.have (good) cause to do something His father has good cause to be proud of him.with/without good cause Many people are worried about the economy, and with good cause.3[countable] an aim, belief, or organization that a group of people support or fight for: My father fought for the Nationalist cause.cause of her lifelong devotion to the cause of women’s rights He has championed the cause of independence (=he has supported it publicly). You can get fit, and at the same time raise money for a worthy cause. Please give generously – it’s all in a good cause (=done in order to help people).4have/make common cause (with/against somebody) formal to join with other people or groups in order to oppose an enemy: U.S. officials expect other Western governments to make common cause with them over the arrests.5[countable] law a case that is brought to a court of law → lost cause at lost2(12)GRAMMAR: Comparisoncause• You say the cause of something: · What was the cause of the problem? ✗Don’t say: the cause for the problem• You say there is cause for concern/alarm/complaint etc: · The doctor said there was cause for concern. ✗Don’t say: There was a cause for concern.reason• You say the reason for something: · What do you think was the reason for their success? ✗Don’t say: the reason of their success• You talk about the reason why something happens: · Can you tell me the reason why you did this?COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1adjectivesa common cause of something· Alcohol is the most common cause of road accidents.the main/primary cause of something· Smoking is the main cause of lung disease.a major/leading cause of something· In this country, debt is a major cause of homelessness.· Drug abuse is the leading cause of crime and violence.a direct/indirect cause· Government policies are the direct cause of the problems facing the economy.the root cause (=the most basic cause)· People often deal with the symptoms rather than the root cause of a problem.the fundamental/underlying cause (=the root cause)· The underlying cause of insomnia is often anxiety.the probable/likely cause· The probable cause of the fire was faulty wiring.verbsdiscover/find the cause· An investigation has failed to discover the cause of the epidemic.determine/establish/identify the cause (=discover definitely what it is)· A team of experts is at the scene of the accident, trying to determine the cause.investigate the cause· Police are still investigating the cause of the fire.phrasesthe cause of death· A snake bite was the cause of death.die of/from natural causes (=die of illness, old age etc, not because of an accident or crime)· He died from natural causes, believed to be a heart attack.cause and effect (=the idea that one thing directly causes another)· What happened was simply a question of cause and effect.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 3adjectivesa good cause (=one that is worth supporting, for example a charity)· The money we are raising is for a good cause.a worthy/deserving cause (=a good cause)· The Red Cross is a very worthy cause.a just cause (=an aim that is fair and right)· The rebels believed that they were fighting for a just cause.a noble cause (=an aim that is morally good)· He died for a noble cause.the Nationalist/Republican etc cause (=their aims and organization)· The election results were a serious blow to the Nationalist cause.verbssupport a cause· Giving money is only one way of supporting a good cause.fight for a cause (=take action to achieve an aim)· Young people often want to fight for a cause.champion a cause (=publicly support an aim)· He has championed the cause of renewable energy since the 1980s.advance/further/promote a cause (=help to achieve an aim)· He did much to advance the cause of freedom.be committed to a cause (=believe in an aim very strongly)· We are committed to the cause of racial justice.be sympathetic to a cause (=understand an aim, and possibly support it)· They hope the new president will be sympathetic to their cause.- International House of Pancakes
- internationalism
- internationalist
- internationalization
- internationalize
- International Labour Organization
- internationally
- International Monetary Fund
- international relations
- International Space Station
- internecine
- internee
- Internet
- Internet banking
- Internet dating
- Internetese
- internist
- internment
- internship
- interpenetrate
- interpenetration
- interpersonal
- interplanetary
- interplay
- Interpol