thereafter

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   from that time on

   Thereafter we never called again.

2. 2
   adv

   After that time, from then on; thenceforth.

   Near-synonyms: afterward, afterwards

3. 3
   adv

   After that (the thing aforementioned).

   The little dog was off like a shot, and the children went running thereafter.

4. 4
   noun

   Synonym of hereafter (“existence after death”).

   A mimed sequence might enliven Johnny's visit to the great thereafter; or the battle royal might be painted on a backdrop.

5. 5
   noun

   Synonym of hereafter (“future existence or state”).

Etymology

From Middle English therafter, theraftir, þerefter, þerafter, þeræfter, from Old English þǣræfter (“after that; thereafter”), equivalent to there + after. Cognate with Saterland Frisian deerätter (“thereafter”), West Frisian dêrefter (“behind that; thereafter”), Dutch daarachter (“behind that; thereafter”), German Low German daarachter (“behind that”), Danish derefter (“thereafter”), Swedish därefter (“thereafter”).