effect definition

1. an impression (especially one that is artificial or contrived)
• examples: he just did it for effect
2. the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
3. (of a law) having legal validity
• examples: the law is still in effect
4. a symptom caused by an illness or a drug
• examples: the effects of sleep loss
• examples: the effect of the anesthetic
5. produce
• examples: The scientists set up a shock wave
6. act so as to bring into existence
• examples: effect a change