take effect

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

The law, which initially took effect July 1, allows individuals convicted of other misdemeanors and some nonviolent felonies to petition the court to seal their records. — Liam Bowman, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026

In a decision with no noted dissents, the court emphasized that Hoskins was aware that the map would not take effect unless voters approved it in the referendum vote. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Most notably, the regulator is proposing that the underwriting commitment takes effect when book-building begins. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

Lynch, whose appointment as CEO takes effect on November 2, will become chairman on October 2. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for take effect

• aftereffect
• interconnect
• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct