A secondary result or consequence that happens as a result of something, occurring some time after the main event.
From 'after' plus 'effect' (from Old French effect, from Latin effectus, meaning 'accomplishment'). Psychological and scientific terminology from the 19th century describing secondary consequences.
Aftereffects are why trauma can haunt someone for years—the brain's response to stress doesn't end when the danger does; neurologically, the danger keeps echoing forward in time.
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