causation

noun

cau·​sa·​tion kȯ-ˈzā-shən 

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 multiple

—W. O. Aydelotte

2

: causality

Synonyms

• antecedent
• causality
• cause
• occasion
• reason

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

Although science is not yet able to determine direct causation between air purifiers and health benefits, experts say consumers should feel confident that using an air purifier is a practical – and healthy – choice. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024

While the link doesn’t prove causation, having an excess of thyroid hormone can lead to a breakdown of bone tissue, resulting in osteoporosis. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 7 Dec. 2024

In her fourth year, Paul sat in on a fall seminar that Lewis gave on causation. —Alice Gregory, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024

Iraola likely won’t conflate correlation with causation as the Cherries suffered defeat in both of Adams’ recent starts. —Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

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

Legal Definition

causation

noun

cau·​sa·​tion kȯ-ˈzā-shən 

1

a

: the act or process of causing

proof of objective causation of injury by the perpetrator

—Alan Freeman

b

: the act or agency that produces an effect

evidence was presented on doctor's malpractice…for…proof of causation

—National 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 defendants

—Sindell 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 results

—W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.

see also chain of causation