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
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.
What To Know According to footage filmed by witness Ryan Garza, several officers can be seen rubbing their eyes, squinting, and struggling with the aftereffects of the gas on October 4. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 The aftereffects of the Simchat Torah massacre, when more civilian blood was spilled and on Israeli soil, livestreamed for the whole world to see, are certain to be as wide-reaching. Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 26 Sep. 2025 In addition to the potential aftereffects of treatment, all cancer survivors have to deal with other concerns such as the continuing fear of recurrence. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aftereffect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aftereffect. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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

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