causation

noun

cau·​sa·​tion kȯ-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce causation (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of causing
the role of heredity in the causation of cancer
b
: the act or agency which produces an effect
in a complex situation causation is likely to be multipleW. O. Aydelotte
2

Examples of causation in a Sentence

the role of heredity in the causation of cancer He claimed that the accident caused his injury, but the court ruled that he did not provide sufficient evidence of causation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Though the study can’t prove causation, researchers do have theories about how sauna bathing could lead to better health, said study author Åsa Engström, PhD, RN, professor of nursing at Luleå University of Technology in Sweden. Brian Mastroianni, Health, 28 Jan. 2025 First of all, there’s the possibility of reverse causation. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 22 Jan. 2025 Choi was also careful to note that correlation does not necessarily mean causation: 5,000 steps a day may not actually affect depression, and people with depression may merely move less, which could also explain the observed results of the JAMA study. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024 But Suzanna Chatterjee, MD, an OB-GYN based in Russellville, Arkansas, says these cases are a matter of correlation, not causation. Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for causation 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin causātiōn-, causātiō "accusation, objection, causal action," going back to Latin, "plea, excuse," from causārī "to plead an action in law, plead as an excuse" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at cause entry 2

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of causation was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near causation

Cite this Entry

“Causation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causation. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

Legal Definition

causation

noun
cau·​sa·​tion kȯ-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce causation (audio)
1
a
: the act or process of causing
proof of objective causation of injury by the perpetratorAlan Freeman
b
: the act or agency that produces an effect
evidence was presented on doctor's malpractice…for…proof of causationNational Law Journal
if plaintiffs could establish…that the caps were manufactured by one of the defendants, the burden of proof as to causation would shift to all the defendantsSindell v. Abbott Laboratories, 607 P.2d 924 (1980)
2
: the relation between cause and effect especially as an element to be proven in a tort or criminal case
must be “legal” causation between the acts and the resultsW. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.
see also chain of causation

More from Merriam-Webster on causation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!