aftereffect

noun

af·​ter·​ef·​fect ˈaf-tər-ə-ˌfekt 

: an effect that follows its cause after an interval

Synonyms

• aftermath
• backwash
• child
• conclusion
• consequence
• corollary
• development
• effect
• fate
• fruit
• issue
• outcome
• outgrowth
• precipitate
• product
• result
• resultant
• sequel
• sequence
• upshot

Examples of aftereffect in a Sentence

in the U.S. slavery was abolished in 1865, but its aftereffects remained keenly felt long afterwards

Recent Examples on the Web

These laws maintained a gender imbalance of Chinese immigrants for more than a century, and their aftereffects persist to this day. —Jane Hu, The New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2025

Both the film’s original script and the new album were overhauled to incorporate the aftereffects of the Weeknd’s experience at SoFi. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025

But not its impact: The Gold Rush may be long over, but its aftereffects still linger. Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday. —Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025

The aftereffects may be most distressing to those directly impacted by the Jan. 6 assault. —Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

after- + effect entry 1

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aftereffect

• interconnect
• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct
• dissect

Kids Definition

aftereffect

noun

af·​ter·​ef·​fect -ə-ˌfekt 

: an effect that arises after the first or immediate effect has decreased or disappeared

a medicine with no noticeable aftereffects

Medical Definition

aftereffect

noun

af·​ter·​ef·​fect ˈaf-tə-ri-ˌfekt 

1

: an effect that follows its cause after an interval

the aftereffects of surgery

2

: a secondary result especially in the action of a drug coming on after the subsidence of the first effect