aftereffect

noun

af·​ter·​ef·​fect ˈaf-tər-ə-ˌfekt 

: an effect that follows its cause after an interval

Synonyms

• aftermath
• backwash
• child
• conclusion
• consequence
• corollary
• development
• effect
• fate
• fruit
• issue
• outcome
• outgrowth
• precipitate
• product
• result
• resultant
• sequel
• sequence
• upshot

Examples of aftereffect in a Sentence

in the U.S. slavery was abolished in 1865, but its aftereffects remained keenly felt long afterwards

Recent Examples on the Web

Related article No longer babies, some teens take to ‘soiling the nest’ The term comes from the aftereffect of inhaling metallic paints sprayed on a rag, which leaves a chrome or metallic residue on one’s face, Pizon said. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 27 Sep. 2024

Between the calf and the woman are works that weave the story of Caribbean life from the start of colonialism to the present, where a mixed-race populace still deals with the aftereffects of domination. —Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 26 Sep. 2024

Seismology equipment 3,106 miles (5,000 km) away felt the event as well as the aftereffects of the sloshing seiches for a week. —New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2024

The aftereffects of the pandemic have touched the lives and livelihoods of billions of people. —Ian Bremmer, TIME, 18 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

after- + effect entry 1

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

aftereffect

noun

af·​ter·​ef·​fect -ə-ˌfekt 

: an effect that arises after the first or immediate effect has decreased or disappeared

a medicine with no noticeable aftereffects

Medical Definition

aftereffect

noun

af·​ter·​ef·​fect ˈaf-tə-ri-ˌfekt 

1

: an effect that follows its cause after an interval

the aftereffects of surgery

2

: a secondary result especially in the action of a drug coming on after the subsidence of the first effect