cause

noun:

1. Any subject of discussion or debate; a matter; an affair.
2. Sufficient reason for a state, as of emotion.
3. Sake; interest; advantage.
4. A suit or action in court; any legal process by which a party endeavors to obtain his claim, or what he regards as his right; case; ground of action.
5. The source of, or reason for, an event or action; that which produces or effects a result.
6. A goal, aim or principle, especially one which transcends purely selfish ends.

verb:

1. To assign or show cause; to give a reason; to make excuse.
2. To set off an event or action.
3. To actively produce as a result, by means of force or authority.