effect

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A change or result produced by an action or cause.

   The medicine had an immediate effect on her headache.

2. 2
   noun

   An impression created on purpose, often for art or show.

   The lighting was dimmed for dramatic effect.

3. 3
   noun

   The state of a law or rule being officially active.

   The new speed limit is now in effect.

4. 4
   verb

   To make something happen or bring it about.

   The new manager hopes to effect real change in the company.

Of the noun: from Middle English effect, from Old French effect (modern French effet), from Latin effectus (“an effect, tendency, purpose”), from efficiō (“accomplish, complete, effect”); see effect as a verb. Displaced Old English fremming, fremednes from fremman. Of the verb: from Middle English effecten, partly from Medieval Latin effectuō, from Latin effectus, perfect passive participle of efficiō (“accomplish, complete, do, effect”), from ex (“out”) + faciō (“do, make”) (see fact and compare affect, infect) and partly from the noun effect.

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