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 Among the unknowns: Who’s most likely to experience these aftereffects? Lauran Neergaard, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2023 But to brush past those who had bizarre aftereffects, even if rare, would be irresponsible. Emily Latimer, Longreads, 25 Jan. 2024 The Biden years have been marred at the border by the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused widespread economic strife and kept people from traveling across borders. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2024 However, the aftereffects and the remnant can persist for much longer. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2024 Teens are also likely to experience the aftereffects of acne. Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2024 On Monday, the 24-year-old posted a series of graphic photos on Instagram that documented the immediate aftereffects of the attack. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 16 Jan. 2024 Since the war began, there's been a surge in Islamophobia in the U.S. reminiscent of the aftereffects of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 30 Nov. 2023 There are several new choices that weren’t on the market a year ago, appealing to consumers who want the experience of wine without the effects and aftereffects of alcohol. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aftereffect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near aftereffect

Cite this Entry

“Aftereffect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aftereffect. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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