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

But now comes the aftereffect of that move — Seattle having to prepare for a relatively long trip on a short week.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 22, 2023

Post-stroke depression is also a common aftereffect, with 1 in 3 stroke patients experiencing it, and is treatable through antidepressant medication and counseling, doctors say.

From Washington Times • Mar. 23, 2023

Known locally as haandh, they were young and tender and, when raw, tasted like spring water tipped from a wooden ladle, with a faintly bitter aftereffect.

From New York Times • Sep. 29, 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