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.
It is believed to be a side effect of the poisoning. Valerie Hopkins, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2024 Chemotherapy can cause hair loss, mouth ulcers, fatigue, vomiting, and other unpleasant side effects. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024 Drug side effects: Some drugs may cause neuropathic pain in the feet and related symptoms. Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Health, 23 Dec. 2024 It’s always been my interest and my fascination and all of my writing, my music, my art, everything has been a side effect of that journey. Charles Moss, SPIN, 23 Dec. 2024 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 28 Dec. 2024.

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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