■ noun
1》 a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.
↘an impression produced in a person's mind: his words had a soothing ~.
2》 the state of being or becoming operative: the law came into ~.
↘the extent to which something succeeds or is operative.
3》 ( ~s ) the lighting, sound, or scenery used in a play or film.
4》 ( ~s ) personal belongings.
5》 Physics a physical phenomenon, typically named after its discoverer: the Coriolis ~.
■ verb cause to happen; bring about.
Phrases
for ~ in order to impress people.
in ~ in practice, even if not formally acknowledged.
to the ~ that the general sense or meaning of something written or spoken being.
to that ~ having the result or meaning specified.
Origin
ME: from OFr., or from L. ~us , from ~- , efficere 'accomplish'.
Usage
On the confusion of ~ with affect , see affect 1 .