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

Gel manicures do require the use of UV light, which can theoretically increase your skin cancer risk (although more research is needed to prove definitive causation, as SELF previously reported). —Melanie Rud, SELF, 24 Oct. 2024

Delayed choice did not involve any backwards causation. —Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024

Additionally, the research only found a link between moderate caffeine intake and a lower risk of cardiometabolic disease but did not prove causation. —Lauryn Higgins, Health, 20 Sep. 2024

But the field still suffers from heavy reliance on data that shows a wealth of correlations, while falling short of demonstrating real causation. —Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

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