uzrokovati

Uzrokovati is a verb used in Croatian and Serbian to mean to cause or bring about a result. It is a transitive verb that typically requires a direct object in the accusative, for example uzrokovati štetu (to cause damage) or uzrokovati probleme (to cause problems).

Etymology and form: Uzrokovati is formed from the noun uzrok, meaning "cause" or "reason," with the productive suffix -ovati to create a causative verb. The noun uzrok is related to terms such as uzročno (causal). The word is widely used in formal, technical, and journalistic contexts.

Usage and nuance: The verb denotes that something leads to a consequence or outcome. It is commonly used to describe negative or significant effects, though it can be used neutrally as well. In practice, uzrokovati often appears with nouns like štetu, probleme, posljedice, troškove, smrti, or gubitke. For ongoing or repeated causation, speakers may prefer alternative verbs such as izazivati or dovesti do, which can carry slightly different nuance or emphasis.

Examples: Potres je uzrokovao velike štete. (The earthquake caused extensive damage.) Novo pravilo uzrokuje povećanje troškova. (The new rule causes an increase in costs.) Virus je uzrokovao pad prihoda. (The virus caused a decline in revenue.) Nepravilno rukovanje može uzrokovati sigurnosne rizike. (Improper handling can cause safety risks.)

Related terms and synonyms: Prouzrokovati and izazvati are close synonyms, with izazvati often emphasizing provocation or triggering, and prouzrokovati sometimes used in more formal or technical contexts. Uzrokovati is generally considered a standard, formal term for causation in both languages.