side effect

American  

Or side-effect

noun

1. any effect of a drug, chemical, or other medicine that is in addition to its intended effect, especially an effect that is harmful or unpleasant.

2. any accompanying or consequential and usually detrimental effect.

   the side effects of air pollution.

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side effect British  

noun

1. any unwanted nontherapeutic effect caused by a drug Compare aftereffect

2. any secondary effect, esp an undesirable one

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Etymology

Origin of side effect

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The moves are a side effect of the war with Iran, which has spread across more of the Middle East, creating tighter supplies of oil and petroleum products such as jet fuel.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some people may experience bloating, nausea or discomfort as a side effect.

From BBC

A statement describes it as a side effect of reproductive tract disease, which she had a history of before arriving at the zoo and is common in aging female elephants.

From Los Angeles Times

If patients have bad side effects when taking a statin, a scan can help tell them if they are low risk and don’t need more aggressive therapy or vice versa, says Blaha.

From The Wall Street Journal

While the show may not have anticipated touch screens, it nailed a key side effect of constant use of gadgets: repetitive-motion injuries.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• aftereffect
• reaction