-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
aftereffect
noun
af·ter·ef·fect
ˈaf-tər-ə-ˌfekt
: an effect that follows its cause after an interval
Synonyms
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
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
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.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
1656, in the meaning defined above
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
: 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
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
Nglish: Translation of aftereffect for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aftereffect
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share