affect

³af·fect

verb \ə-ˈfekt, a-\

Definition of AFFECT

transitive verb

: to produce an effect upon: as a : to produce a material influence upon or alteration in <paralysis affected his limbs> b : to act upon (as a person or a person's mind or feelings) so as to produce a response : influence

See Usage Discussion at effect

— af·fect·abil·i·ty \-ˌfek-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— af·fect·able \-ˈfek-tə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of AFFECT

1. As strange as this sounds, the negative karma probably affected the actual games, the way a gambler who constantly dwells on his bad luck can derail an entire blackjack table. —Bill Simmons, ESPN, 24 June 2002
2. The Paris adventures of various Russians, including a romance for Dontsov, affect both the newly democratized ones and hard-line party members. —Stanley Kauffmann, New Republic, 27 Feb. 1995
3. These programs, known as secret warranties or silent recalls, often involve a problem that affects a vehicle's safety or performance but that isn't the cause of a formal Federal recall. —Consumer Reports, December 1993

Origin of AFFECT

Middle English, from affectus, past participle of afficere (see ²affect)

First Known Use: 15th century

Synonym Discussion of AFFECT

affect, influence, touch, impress, strike, sway mean to produce or have an effect upon. affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction <the sight affected her to tears>. influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior) <our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing>. touch may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming <plants touched by frost> <his emotions were touched by her distress>. impress stresses the depth and persistence of the effect <only one of the plans impressed him>. strike, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation <struck by the solemnity of the occasion>. sway implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action <politicians who are swayed by popular opinion>.