aftereffect

/ˈɑːf.tər.ɪˌfekt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈæf.tɚ.əˌfekt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈaf-tər-ə-ˌfekt/ (ame, mw)

aftereffect — noun

  • aftereffectsingular
  • aftereffectsplural

1. a bad change or problem that appears later because of an earlier event, injury,

1.名詞C1
釋義

a bad change or problem that appears later because of an earlier event, injury, or shock, and may continue long after the original thing is over

例句

Nora still had nightmares as an aftereffect of the train crash.

aftereffect of [event] for harm that continues later

Months after the flood, mold on the walls was a common aftereffect.

同義詞
  • aftermath

    broader and often refers to the whole situation following a bad event, not one specific lingering result

  • consequence

    more neutral and not always delayed or unpleasant

  • repercussion

    often used for indirect negative results, especially social or political ones

反義詞
  • cause

    the earlier event or action that produces the later harm

文法句型

aftereffect of + event

the aftereffects of + plural noun

suffer an aftereffect

用法筆記

Usually points to a harmful result that either lasts beyond the original event or shows up later. It is common after of, especially with accidents, illness, war, surgery, or other strong shocks.

常見錯誤

❌The power cut was an aftereffect of the storm while the storm was still hitting the town.
✅The power cut was an effect of the storm, and the spoiled food was an aftereffect.
💡aftereffect usually names a delayed or lingering result, not the first immediate one.

2. an extra problem or change caused by a drug or treatment that does not appear at

2.名詞C1
釋義

an extra problem or change caused by a drug or treatment that does not appear at once, but starts after the main effect has faded

例句

Ari felt dizzy again when the sleeping pill's aftereffect set in.

aftereffect set in after the main effect faded

The nurse warned Isabela about aftereffects from the stronger pain patch.

同義詞
  • side effect

    the usual everyday term; it can happen during the main effect, not only later

  • residual effect

    more technical and often stresses that some effect remains in the body

  • reaction

    broader and can include immediate responses, not just delayed ones

反義詞
  • main effect

    the primary intended result of the drug or treatment

文法句型

aftereffect of + drug

aftereffects from + treatment

the drug's aftereffect

用法筆記

Mostly used for medicine or treatment, especially when the main benefit has already worn off. It focuses on a later secondary reaction rather than the intended first effect.

常見錯誤

❌The pain relief was an aftereffect of the tablet.
✅The pain relief was the tablet's main effect, but the dry mouth was an aftereffect.
💡aftereffect names the later secondary reaction, not the treatment's intended benefit.