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case

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noun British English pronunciation: case /keɪs/ 
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singularcase
pluralcases
Other entries for this word
 
  1. 1
    [countable] an example or instance of something
    case of:

    a serious case of nerves

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of case
    1. a.
      an instance of a disease
      case of:

      a bad case of food poisoning

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of case
    2. b.
      a person with a disease

      He treated several cases of severe sunburn.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of case
  2. 2
    [countable] [usually singular] a situation or set of conditions, especially one involving a particular person or thing

    I think we can make an exception in your case.

    be the case:

    This was the case in the past, but now life is different.

    if that's the case:

    If that's the case, I'm not surprised he was angry.

    it is the case that:

    Isn't it the case that they're afraid of change?

    it's a case of:

    It really is a case of 'no news is good news'.

    in that case:

    'I don't need it tonight.' 'In that case, I'll keep it until tomorrow.'

    in which case:

    They can still agree to our conditions, in which case the bombing will stop.

    as is the case:

    Often, as is the case for these families, there is no other source of support.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of case
  3. 3
    [countable] a legal matter that will be decided in a court

    a civil/criminal case

    The case involved charges of police corruption.

    a murder/rape/libel case:

    A number of libel cases were taken to the Court of Appeal.

    case against:

    He was confident the case against him would be dropped.

    win/lose a case:

    He would do anything to win a case.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of case
    1. a.
      a crime that the police are trying to solve

      At least a dozen officers are investigating the murder case.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of case
    2. b.
      the evidence and arguments that one side can use against the other in a law court
      the case for the prosecution/the defence:

      Mr Scott informed the judge that he had completed the case for the prosecution.

      have a case (=have a chance of winning):

      The lawyers told me I didn't have a case.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of case
  4. 4
    [countable] a set of facts and arguments that you can state for or against something

    This strengthens the case of those who argue that the UK should have a Bill of Rights.

    case for/against:

    There is a strong case for government intervention.

    state your case:

    She was being offered a chance to state her case.

    make (out) a case for something:

    Calvin makes a good case for this unpopular policy in his article.

    A case can be made for reducing taxes right now.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of case
  5. 5
    [countable] a situation or person to be dealt with, often by an official

    There have been several reports of cases of neglected and abused children.

    Each social worker was assigned 30 cases.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of case

phrases

This is the British English definition of case. View American English definition of case.

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