aftereffect

noun

af·​ter·​ef·​fect ˈaf-tər-ə-ˌfekt 

: an effect that follows its cause after an interval

Synonyms

• aftermath
• backwash
• child
• conclusion
• consequence
• corollary
• development
• effect
• fate
• fruit
• issue
• outcome
• outgrowth
• precipitate
• product
• result
• resultant
• sequel
• sequence
• upshot

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 book is, in part, a strict recreation of both her sister Liliana and the aftereffects of Liliana's murder in 1990. —Scott Hocker, theweek, 22 May 2024

Eleven years removed from the strokes, Corporal continues to deal with the aftereffects. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2024

The reaction One aftereffect Stanley likely did not forecast was the supervening middle-school bullying. —Scott Hocker, theweek, 8 Feb. 2024

Turkey is buckling under domestic problems such as soaring inflation, a refugee influx, and the aftereffects of a devastating earthquake. —Henri J. Barkey, Foreign Affairs, 17 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

after- + effect entry 1

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

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