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.
Last week, a new round of tariffs took effect on Tuesday—25% on all goods from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% on goods from China, adding up to 20%. Megan Poinski, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 President Donald Trump’s 20% levy on incoming Chinese goods took effect last week, up from 10% last month. Megan Sauer, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025 And those larger tariffs, those reciprocal tariffs that take effect in April, will have an impact. ABC News, 9 Mar. 2025 The burn ban was implemented immediately and will be in place until the annual statewide ban on residential brush burning takes effect on March 16, according to the governor's office. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025 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 13 Mar. 2025.

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