First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1case
noun \ˈkās\
Definition of CASE
1
a : a set of circumstances or conditions <is the statement true in all three cases> b (1) : a situation requiring investigation or action (as by the police) (2) : the object of investigation or consideration
2
: condition; specifically : condition of body or mind
3
[Middle English cas, from Anglo-French, from Latin casus, translation of Greek ptōsis, literally, fall] a : an inflectional form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective indicating its grammatical relation to other words b : such a relation whether indicated by inflection or not
4
: what actually exists or happens : fact <thought he had failed, but that wasn't the case>
5
a : a suit or action in law or equity b (1) : the evidence supporting a conclusion or judgment (2) : argument; especially : a convincing argument <makes a good case for adopting the proposal>
6
7
: oneself considered as an object of harassment or criticism <get off my case>
— in any case
: without regard to or in spite of other considerations : whatever else is done or is the case <war is inevitable in any case> <in any case the report will be made public next month>
— in case
: as a precaution <took an umbrella, just in case>
— in case of
: in the event of <in case of trouble, yell>
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Origin of CASE
Middle English cas, from Anglo-French, from Latin casus fall, chance, from cadere to fall — more at chance
Synonym Discussion of CASE
instance, case, illustration, example, sample, specimen mean something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category. instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain <an instance of history repeating itself>. case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with <a case of mistaken identity>. illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement <a telling illustration of Murphy's Law>. example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case <a typical example of bureaucratic waste>. sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities <show us a sample of your work>. specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available <one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art>.
2case
noun
Definition of CASE
1
2
a : an outer covering or housing <a pastry case> b : a tube into which the components of a round of ammunition are loaded
3
: a divided tray for holding printing type
4
: the frame of a door or window : casing
Origin of CASE
Middle English cas, from Anglo-French case, chase, from Latin capsa chest, case, probably from capere to take — more at heave
First Known Use: 14th century
3case
verb
: to study or watch (a house, store, etc.) with plans to rob it
casedcas·ing
Full Definition of CASE
transitive verb
1
: to enclose in or cover with or as if with a case : encase
2
: to line (as a well) with supporting material (as metal pipe)
3
: to inspect or study especially with intent to rob
See case defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CASE
1575
CASE Defined for Kids
1case
noun \ˈkās\
Definition of CASE for Kids
1
: a particular instance, situation, or example <a case of injustice>
2
: a situation or an object that calls for investigation or action (as by the police)
3
: a question to be settled in a court of law
4
: a form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective showing its grammatical relation to other words <The word “child's” in “the child's toy” is in the possessive case.>
5
: the actual situation <I was called greedy, but that is not the case.>
6
: a convincing argument <A case could be made for promoting her.>
7
: an instance of disease, injury, or discomfort <a case of chicken pox>
— in any case
: no matter what has happened or been said <He couldn't find the keys and in any case there was no gas in the car.>
— in case
: for the purpose of being ready for something that might happen <Take an umbrella in case it rains.>
2case
noun
Definition of CASE for Kids
1
: a container (as a box) for holding something
2
: a box and its contents <a case of books>
3
: an outer covering
Medical Dictionary
case
noun \ˈkās\
Medical Definition of CASE
1
: the circumstances and situation of a particular person or group
2
a : an instance of disease or injury <10 cases of pneumonia> b : patient 1
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