aftereffect

American  

[af-ter-i-fekt, ahf-] / ˈæf tər ɪˌfɛkt, ˈɑf- /

noun

1. a delayed effect; an effect that follows at some interval after the stimulus that produces it.

2. Medicine/Medical. a result appearing after the first effect due to an agent, usually a drug, has gone.

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aftereffect British  

/ ˈɑːftərɪˌfɛkt /

noun

1. any result occurring some time after its cause

2. med any delayed response to a stimulus or agent Compare side effect

3. psychol any illusory sensation caused by a stimulus that has ceased

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Etymology

Origin of aftereffect

First recorded in 1810–20; after + effect

Explanation

An aftereffect is something that happens as a result of an action. For example, an aftereffect of taking some kinds of allergy medication is feeling very sleepy. While many aftereffects can essentially be side effects of taking some drug or medicine, there are many other types of aftereffects. An aftereffect of being rude to a customer at the restaurant where you work might be a very small tip, and the aftereffects of being robbed could include a fear of walking alone at night. The word combines the Old English root æfter, "after, next, or later," and the Latin effectus, "accomplishment or result."

Example Sentences

But it is not disconnected from it; it’s both an aftereffect and a symptom.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2024

Dec. 24: at Tennessee: One aftereffect of moving the Eagles game is the Seahawks having a shorter week of preparation for a fairly long trip to Tennessee.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 3, 2023

In an Associated Press profile just weeks after his victory, Fetterman was described as still suffering from auditory processing disorder, a stroke’s common aftereffect.

From Washington Times • Feb. 9, 2023

As an aftereffect of the country’s “zero-Covid” policies, locals were leery of travelers, and some hotels refused Ms. Qu, fearing she could introduce the virus.

From New York Times • Sep. 27, 2022

But as far as your story goes, Alex, his action—his horrible, disgusting action—was just an aftereffect of yours.

From "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher