take effect

idiomatic phrase

1
: to become operative
The new regulations will take effect next year.
2
: to begin producing an expected or intended effect or result
waiting for the drug to take effect

Examples of take effect in a Sentence

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.
The new law will take effect after a two-year grace period. Reuters, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2025 Although the federal law raising the tobacco purchase age to 21 took effect in 2019, many retailers either ignored the regulation or failed to check buyers’ ages. Stephanie Innes, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025 Under the legislation, any ADU created after the bill took effect could not be used as a short-term rental. Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 26 Sep. 2025 Three separate lawsuits seek to block it from taking effect, while opponents are hoping to mount a referendum campaign that would ask voters to repeal it through a statewide vote. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for take effect

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of take effect was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Take effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20effect. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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