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 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 Although correlation is not causation and more research remains to be done, these countries share certain approaches to reform that look quite different from the ones pursued by the United States. Jal Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 2013 See all Example Sentences for causation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'causation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 31 Oct. 2024.

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

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