causecausecausescausedcausing2verb (causes, causing, caused)to be the reason why something happens: What caused the accident? The fire was caused by a cigarette.causecausecauses1nounpronunciationThe word cause sounds like doors.1a thing or person that makes something happen: Bad driving is the cause of most road accidents.2something that people care about and want to help: They gave the money to a good cause – it was used to build a new hospital.