probable cause

noun

: a reasonable ground for supposing that a charge is well-founded

Examples of probable cause in a Sentence

The lawyer argued that there was a lack of probable cause for a search warrant. The police had probable cause to arrest him.

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Victim was beaten each day for nearly a week, probable cause statement shows Authorities said the incident began on Sept. 12 when someone the victim knew let Young into his home. —

Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024 Police visited Hill at his home the same day but were barred from inspecting the freezer, according to a probable cause statement in the documents. —

Karina Tsui, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024 The family’s father was shot four times, and the mother had two gunshot wounds, according to the probable cause statement. —

Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 25 Oct. 2024 According to a probable cause affidavit that was unsealed in 2022, investigators tied Allen to the scene with an unused .40 caliber round that was found next to German and Williams’ bodies. —

Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for probable cause

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of probable cause was circa 1676

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Probable cause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/probable%20cause. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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