take effect

idiomatic phrase

1
: to become operative
The new regulations will take effect next year.
2
: to begin producing an expected or intended effect or result
waiting for the drug to take effect

Examples of take effect in a Sentence

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 report details a reverse stock split of 1-for-25 that took effect on August 13, 2024, and the delisting of Trevena's common stock from Nasdaq (NDAQ), now trading on the OTC Pink Open Market. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024 The ban, which took effect this past spring, has decimated access not only for residents living in the third most populous state but also for people across the South who had been traveling to Florida since Roe was overturned. Vox Staff, Vox, 6 Nov. 2024 Under the new law, which took effect in 2022, the margin went from one-tenth of one percentage point to half a percentage point. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 Many of these laws have been blocked from taking effect due to constitutional challenges over whether states can regulate immigration. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for take effect 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of take effect was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Take effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20effect. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on take effect

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!