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aftereffect
noun
af·ter·ef·fect
ˈaf-tər-ə-ˌfekt
: an effect that follows its cause after an interval
Synonyms
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
Investigate the aftereffects of ink color and fading tendencies: Tattoos can vary in quality depending on the ink depth and the pigments used, with minimal industry regulation, according to Beautiful Canadian.
—Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 13 May 2024
Like the older movements, the current one is likely to be the subject of decades of research into its origins, its aims and its aftereffects.
—Richard Fausset, New York Times, 4 May 2024
The slowdown is just the latest example of the aftereffects of Boeing’s quality control and manufacturing issues, culminating in a near-disastrous incident in January.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024
The economic aftereffects from obesity and excess weight on U.S. businesses and employers amounted to a staggering $425.5 billion in 2023.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
An extremely talented writer and a colorful guest on late-night talk shows, Capote struggled with the aftereffects of an unhappy childhood and the ongoing toll of alcohol and drug addiction.
—Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 1 Feb. 2024
Although young adults are contending with the aftereffects of a global pandemic, the unemployment rate for recent grads has been low compared to other demographics since 1990, but that gap has recently widened, the Washington Post reported.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
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
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
First Known Use
1656, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near aftereffect
Cite this Entry
“Aftereffect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aftereffect. Accessed 19 May. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on aftereffect
Nglish: Translation of aftereffect for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aftereffect
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