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

The fact that these events are responsible for the creation of some of our most precious and important elements, as well as bright cosmic phenomena like GRBs and kilonovas, means there has been a heavy bias toward studying the aftereffects of neutron star mergers. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 4 Feb. 2026

This brings me back to CET, which has delivered a solid return over the last three years, as markets moved away from the aftereffects of the pandemic and looked more toward the future, including productivity gains from AI. —Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Both teams will feel the aftereffects. —Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026

The aftereffects still plague our society today. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 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