effectuate

verb

ef·​fec·​tu·​ate i-ˈfek-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce effectuate (audio)
-chü-ˌāt
effectuated; effectuating; effectuates

transitive verb

formal : to cause or bring about (something) : to put (something) into effect or operation : effect sense 2
… the insured or depositor relies on the insurer or bank to effectuate his wishes …William M. McGovern, Jr. et al.
… emphasizing the importance of institutions in effectuating good works …Aaron Wildavsky
effectuation noun
The defendant may waive effectuation of these rights, provided the waiver is made voluntarily, knowingly and intelligently. Irving R. Kaufman

Examples of effectuate in a Sentence

the hope that the greater social interaction between members of the different classes will effectuate greater school spirit
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.
But the system in place to expedite these cases is just not working, and no one seems to be stepping up to effectuate and implement necessary changes. Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 9 May 2025 If Joe Biden effectuated his immigration policy without due process, why can’t Donald Trump do the same with his? Rich Lowry, National Review, 28 Apr. 2025 In another lawsuit challenging the ban, a federal judge barred any policy effectuating Trump’s directive from taking effect. Ella Lee, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025 None of the statutory requirements enumerated above can be effectuated if the agency has been shuttered. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for effectuate

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed (with addition of -ate entry 4) from Middle French effectuer, affectuer, borrowed from Medieval Latin effectuāre, verbal derivative of Latin effectus "achievement, result, effect entry 1"

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of effectuate was circa 1586

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Cite this Entry

“Effectuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effectuate. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

effectuate

verb
ef·​fec·​tu·​ate i-ˈfek-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce effectuate (audio)
effectuated; effectuating
formal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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