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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The state is still grappling with the storm’s aftereffects and searching for missing people, but the Facebook post vastly overstates the loss of life, according to North Carolina officials. Nate Trela, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024 Trump did succeed in instituting harsh rules that all but shut down the adjudication of asylum cases, hobbling the immigration courts, with aftereffects that endure to this day. Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024 In the chaotic aftereffects of an attack—or in some cases, during the attack—having a clear plan of action with owners and timelines helps ensure a swift and coordinated response, significantly improving outcomes. Robert Harrison, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 Teicher says these distinctions may help explain why some people are able to resist the psychological aftereffects of early problems. Diana Kwon, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2022 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 8 Nov. 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

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