effect meaning and definition

EFFECT noun

Definition of effect (noun)

1. a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
   • "the magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise"; "his decision had depressing consequences for business"; "he acted very wise after the event"
   • synonyms: consequence, event, issue, outcome, result, upshot
2. an outward appearance
   • "he made a good impression"; "I wanted to create an impression of success"; "she retained that bold effect in her reproductions of the original painting"
   • synonyms: impression
3. an impression (especially one that is artificial or contrived)
   • "he just did it for effect"
4. the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
   • synonyms: burden, core, essence, gist
5. (of a law) having legal validity
   • "the law is still in effect"
   • synonyms: force
6. a symptom caused by an illness or a drug
   • "the effects of sleep loss"; "the effect of the anesthetic"

EFFECT verb

Definition of effect (verb)

1. produce
   • "The scientists set up a shock wave"
   • synonyms: effectuate, set up
2. act so as to bring into existence
   • "effect a change"