EFFECT

n. v.

11 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)


1.
n.

Execution; performance; realization; operation; as, the law goes into effect in May. That no compunctious visitings of nature Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between The effect and it. Shak.

2.
n.

Manifestation; expression; sign. All the large effects That troop with majesty. Shak.

3.
n.

In general: That which is produced by an agent or cause; the event which follows immediately from an antecedent, called the cause; result; consequence; outcome; fruit; as, the effect of luxury. The effect is the unfailing index of the amount of the cause. Whewell.

4.
n.

Impression left on the mind; sensation produced. Patchwork . . . introduced for oratorical effect. J. C. Shairp. The effect was heightened by the wild and lonely nature of the place. W. Irving.

5.
n.

Power to produce results; efficiency; force; importance; account; as, to speak with effect.

6.
n.

Consequence intended; purpose; meaning; general intent; -- with to. They spake to her to that effect. 2 Chron. xxxiv. 22.

7.
n.

The purport; the sum and substance. "The effect of his intent." Chaucer.

8.
n.

Reality; actual meaning; fact, as distinguished from mere appearance. No other in effect than what it seems. Denham.

9.
n.

Goods; movables; personal estate; -- sometimes used to embrace real as well as personal property; as, the people escaped from the town with their effects. For effect, for an exaggerated impression or excitement. -- In effect, in fact; in substance. See 8, above. -- Of no effect, Of none effect, To no effect, or Without effect, destitute of results, validity, force, and the like; vain; fruitless. "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition." Mark vii. 13. "All my study be to no effect." Shak. -- To give effect to, to make valid; to carry out in practice; to push to its results. -- To take effect, to become operative, to accomplish aims. Shak.

10.
v.

To produce, as a cause or agent; to cause to be. So great a body such exploits to effect. Daniel.

11.
v.

To bring to pass; to execute; to enforce; to achieve; to accomplish. To effect that which the divine counsels had decreed. Bp. Hurd. They sailed away without effecting their purpose. Jowett (Th. ).