by reason of

Idioms  

1. Because of, owing to, as in By reason of a crop failure, the price of coffee is bound to rise. This expression is considered quite formal today. [c. 1300]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

by reason of

The jury could have acquited her by reason of insanity, which would then send her to a mental institution, the duration of her stay determined by doctors.

From Slate ● Sep. 5, 2026

The jury has been deadlocked 11-1 with the majority apparently leaning towards finding the 36-year-old Clancy not guilty by reason of insanity.

From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026

Much more likely is a not guilty by reason of insanity, which would result in Clancy being detained at a hospital.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

“Two independent doctors evaluated Hoetzlein and each concluded he met the legal criteria for a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity,” Ventura County Dist.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026

A stretch of shore had been as yet between us and the steamer’s smoke, by reason of the bend and wind of the river; but now she was visible, coming head on.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens