effect
[ ih-fekt ]
/ ɪˈfɛkt /
noun
verb (used with object)
to produce as an effect; bring about; accomplish; make happen: The new machines finally effected the transition to computerized accounting last spring.
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Idioms for effect
- for practical purposes; virtually: His silence was in effect a confirmation of the rumor.
- essentially; basically.
- operating or functioning; in force: The plan is now in effect.
- to go into operation; begin to function.
- to produce a result: The prescribed medicine failed to take effect.
in effect,
take effect,
Origin of effect
SYNONYMS FOR effect
1 outcome, issue. Effect, consequence ( s ), result refer to something produced by an action or a cause. An effect is that which is produced, usually more or less immediately and directly: The effect of morphine is to produce sleep. A consequence, something that follows naturally or logically, as in a train of events or sequence of time, is less intimately connected with its cause than is an effect: Punishment is the consequence of disobedience. A result may be near or remote, and often is the sum of effects or consequences as making an end or final outcome: The English language is the result of the fusion of many different elements.
10 achieve, realize, fulfill, perform, consummate.
usage note for effect
See affect1.
OTHER WORDS FROM effect
Words nearby effect
efavirenz, eff, eff., effable, efface, effect, effecter, effective, effective conjugate, effective current, effective dose
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for in effect
effect
/ (ɪˈfɛkt) /
noun
verb
(tr) to cause to occur; bring about; accomplish
See also effects
Derived forms of effect
effecter, nouneffectible, adjectiveWord Origin for effect
C14: from Latin effectus a performing, tendency, from efficere to accomplish, from facere to do
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for in effect
effect
[ ĭ-fĕkt′ ]
n.
v.
Other words from effect
ef•fect′i•ble adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Idioms and Phrases with in effect (1 of 2)
in effect
For all practical purposes, as in This testimony in effect contradicted her earlier statement. [Late 1500s]
In or into operation, as in This law will be in effect in January. Related phrases include go into effect and take effect, which mean “become operative,” as in This law goes into effect January 1, or It takes effect January 1. Similarly, put into effect means “make operative,” as in When will the judge's ruling be put into effect? [Late 1700s] Also see in force, def. 2.
Idioms and Phrases with in effect (2 of 2)
effect
see in effect; into effect; take effect; to that effect.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.