aftereffect

noun

af·​ter·​ef·​fect ˈaf-tər-ə-ˌfekt How to pronounce aftereffect (audio)
: an effect that follows its cause after an interval

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Chinese city has struggled in recent years owing to the aftereffects of its tough COVID-zero policy, concerns over Beijing’s encroaching jurisdiction, and a sluggish Chinese economy. Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia, 27 Nov. 2024 Teenagers often combine cannabis use with other substance use and can suffer neurologic and psychiatric aftereffects. Dr. Jerrold B. Leikin, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024 But the rides were to fall silent and still Sunday night, as the park run by Ocean City’s mayor and nurtured by generations of his ancestors, closed down, the victim of financial woes made worse by the lingering aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic and Superstorm Sandy. Chris Morris, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2024 Third, the aftereffects of the Libya intervention, from the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi to pervasive lawlessness and corruption, were sobering reminders of the challenges that might follow the end of fighting. Michael Bröning, Foreign Affairs, 17 Dec. 2012 See all Example Sentences for aftereffect 

Word History

Etymology

after- + effect entry 1

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aftereffect was in 1656

Dictionary Entries Near aftereffect

Cite this Entry

“Aftereffect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aftereffect. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

aftereffect

noun
af·​ter·​ef·​fect -ə-ˌfekt How to pronounce aftereffect (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce aftereffect (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on aftereffect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!