side effect

noun

: a secondary and usually adverse effect (as of a drug)
toxic side effects

called also side reaction

Examples of side effect in a Sentence

Nausea and diarrhea are the side effects of the drug. the harmful side effects of using chemicals to kill insects The merger created positive side effects for both companies.
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.
Ginkgo biloba supplements interact with certain medications, like blood thinners, and may cause side effects, including headache, stomach upset, dizziness, palpitations, constipation, and allergic skin reactions. Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025 David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg told Joe Rogan in a podcast published Friday that his company was pressured by the Biden administration to remove content on side effects of Covid vaccines. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025 It is designed to alleviate the side effects of hormonal fluctuations and to prevent weight gain, according to US News. Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 10 Jan. 2025 Without the ability to pay for prescription refills on hormones like testosterone and estrogen, trans Americans would face the prospect of having to suddenly stop hormone replacement therapy, which can cause adverse side effects like menopausal symptoms. Orion Rummler, Them, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for side effect 

Word History

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of side effect was in 1814

Dictionary Entries Near side effect

Cite this Entry

“Side effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/side%20effect. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

side effect

noun
: an often harmful and unwanted effect (as of a drug) that occurs along with the basic desired effect
the environmental side effects of using chemicals to kill pests

Medical Definition

side effect

noun
: a secondary and usually adverse effect (as of a drug)
toxic side effects
a side effect of drowsiness caused by antihistamines

called also side reaction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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