affecting
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of affecting
Explanation
If the final scene has you sniffling and reaching for the Kleenex, the movie you’re watching could be described as affecting, meaning it makes you emotional. You might be familiar with the noun affect, which refers to a feeling or emotion. Affecting is just the adjective form of that word — so you can probably guess that it describes things that provoke strong feelings or emotions. You might watch an affecting basketball game, for example, or see an affecting performance of a play. The feeling caused by something affecting can be good or bad, happy or sad. The key is that it stirs up a strong feeling.
Vocabulary lists containing affecting
Pay Attention! Synonyms for "Interesting"
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Krik? Krak!
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The aid organisation has been tracking all available reports of incidents affecting children in Gaza, including via UN personnel on the ground.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
In Saglimbene’s view, declines for technology stocks would need to “come in in a meaningful way” for a longer period to really start affecting consumer behavior and the economy.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026
Poverty has continued to rise, affecting 63 percent of the population, according to the International Monetary Fund.
From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026
Lowenthal said he’s heard from California families who are anxious about social media and seeking “relief” from their concerns about how the platforms are affecting their children.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026
“It was the most affecting sight I have ever seen!” said Squealer, lifting his trotter and wiping away a tear.
From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
