probable cause en · NOUN
Etymology
Elliptical for “probable cause to suspect a crime has been committed”, where probable carries the sense “worthy of acceptance or belief”. Attested in legal contexts since the 17th century.
Meanings
- (US, uncountable) Reasonable grounds for making an arrest or conducting a personal or property search.
-
(countable) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see probable, cause.
the probable cause of the accident
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| probable causes | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Relateds
beyond a reasonable doubt · burden of proof · clear and convincing evidence · preponderance of the evidence
Synonyms
Translations (5)
nb skjellig grunn til mistanke (reasonable grounds for making an arrest or conducting a personal or property search) · pl prawdopodobny motyw (reasonable grounds for making an arrest or conducting a personal or property search) · fi todennäköinen syy (reasonable grounds for making an arrest or conducting a personal or property search) · cmn 相當理由 /相当理由 (reasonable grounds for making an arrest or conducting a personal or property search) · ru доста́точное основа́ние (reasonable grounds for making an arrest or conducting a personal or property search)