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."