aftereffect

noun

af·​ter·​ef·​fect ˈaf-tər-ə-ˌfekt 

: an effect that follows its cause after an interval

Synonyms

• outcome
• result
• resultant
• consequence
• aftermath
• effect

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

For example, unusual aftereffects called echoes, generated as gravitational waves bounce off a firewall or other structure near the horizon, might appear after an initial signal. —Matt Von Hippel, Quanta Magazine, 27 Aug. 2025

The city of Fort Worth is offering monetary relief to homeowners still dealing with the aftereffects of February 2021 winter storm, which brought sub-zero temperatures to Texas, resulting in tens of billions of dollars in statewide property damage. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2025

Many businesses face perpetual disruption from geopolitical tensions, economic nationalism and pandemic aftereffects. —Jay Patel, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Those friendships definitely make the aftereffects of experiencing a trauma like that a bit lighter. —Belinda Luscombe, Time, 22 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

after- + effect entry 1

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aftereffect

• interconnect
• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct
• dissect

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