aftereffect

noun

af·​ter·​ef·​fect ˈaf-tər-ə-ˌfekt 

: an effect that follows its cause after an interval

Synonyms of aftereffect

• 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

In other words, the aftereffects of COVID-19 are still present, according to Tara Leytham Powell, an associate professor of social work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. —Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026

Like other music tours that year, Lilith Fair was the victim of aftereffects of the 2008 recession. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026

Checkmarx isn’t the only security company to suffer the aftereffects of the Trivy breach. —Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2026

The economic aftereffects, given Iran’s oil production and its control over the Strait of Hormuz, could be also substantial. —Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2026

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