GROUND

ground,n. The reason or point that something (as a legal claim or argument) relies on for

validity <grounds for divorce> <several grounds for appeal>.

ground,vb.1. To provide a basis for (something, e.g., a legal claim or argument) <the decision

was grounded on public policy>.2. To base (something, e.g., a legal principle or judicial decision)

on <the court grounded the decision on common law> <strict liability is grounded on public

policy>. [Blacks Law 8th]