probable cause

American  

noun

Law.

1. reasonable ground for a belief, as, in a criminal case, that the accused was guilty of the crime, or, in a civil case, that grounds for the action existed: used especially as a defense to an action for malicious prosecution.

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probable cause British  

noun

1. law reasonable grounds for holding a belief, esp such as will justify bringing legal proceedings against a person or will constitute a defence to a charge of malicious prosecution

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Etymology

Origin of probable cause

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

probable cause

"We believe we will more than accomplish the evidentiary burden of probable cause at this point to hold David to answer on these three felony charges," Hochman told the press.

From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026

The deputy determined probable cause existed for Wiley’s arrest, and he took the 10-year NFL player to the correctional facility “without incident.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2026

Prosecutors would need to show they have adequate evidence to establish probable cause and proceed toward trial.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026

And, to conduct that search, the police are going to need to prove probable cause that a crime occurred and that you were involved in it.

From Slate ● Jul. 1, 2026

Starvation was posited as the most probable cause of death.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer