1an instance of a particular situation; an example of something occurring:a case of mistaken identityin many cases farmers do have a deep feeling for their land
[usually in singular] the situation affecting or relating to a particular person or thing:I’ll make an exception in your case
an incident or set of circumstances under official investigation by the police:a murder case
2an instance of a disease, injury, or problem:200,000 cases of hepatitis B
a person or their particular problem requiring or receiving medical or welfare attention:most breast cancer cases were older womenthe local social services discussed Gemma’s caseurgent cases were turned away from the hospital
[with adjective or noun modifier] informal a person whose situation is regarded as pitiable or as having no chance of improvement:Vicky was a very sad case
informal, dated an amusing or eccentric person.
3a legal action, especially one to be decided in a court of law:a libel casea former employee brought the case against the council
a set of facts or arguments supporting one side in a legal case:the case for the defence
a set of facts or arguments supporting one side of a debate or controversy:the case against tobacco advertising
(also case stated) an agreed summary of the facts relating to a legal case, drawn up for review or decision on a point of law by a higher court.
4 Grammar any of the forms of a noun, adjective, or pronoun that express the semantic relation of the word to other words in the sentence:the accusative case
as the case may be
according to the circumstances (used when referring to two or more alternatives):the authorities will decide if they are satisfied or not satisfied, as the case may be
be the case
be so.
in any case
whatever happens or may have happened:perhaps you’ll let me know tomorrow—in any case I’ll talk to you then
moreover:he wasn’t allowed out yet, and in any case he wasn’t well enough
(just) in case
1as a provision against something happening or being true:we put on thick jumpers, in case it was cold
2if it is true that:in case you haven’t figured it out, let me explain
in case of
in the event of (a particular situation):instructions about what to do in case of fire
in no case
under no circumstances:in no case is a specific funding target set
in that case
if that is or will be the situation:‘I’m free this evening.’ ‘In that case, why not have dinner with me?’
it's a case of ——
used to introduce a summary of a particular situation, especially one that is unavoidable under the circumstances:it’s not a case of wanting to return to work but having to
on (or off) someone's case
informal continually (or no longer) criticizing or harassing someone:teachers, you know, get on your case
