effectuate

American  

[ih-fek-choo-eyt] / ɪˈfɛk tʃuˌeɪt /

verb (used with object)

effectuated, effectuating

1. to bring about; effect.

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effectuate British  

/ ɪˈfɛktjʊˌeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to cause to happen; effect; accomplish

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• effectuation
  noun
• uneffectuated
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of effectuate

1570–80; < Medieval Latin effectuātus brought to pass (past participle of effectuāre ), equivalent to Latin effectu-, stem of effectus effect ( effect ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Explanation

To effectuate is to produce a result or make something happen. Effectuating accomplishes things. Things that have an effect make something happen: they're significant in some way. Similarly, to effectuate is to cause something to happen or set it up so something can happen. A doctor who effectuates a cure has found a cure. A general who effectuates an attack has made the attack happen. Some people think computers effectuate a short attention span, meaning the short attention span is caused by computers. Effectuating is about cause and effect.