affect

af-fect · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To have an influence on or make a difference to someone or something.

  2. 2.

    To touch the feelings of; move emotionally.

  3. 3.

    To pretend to have or feel something (formal).

  4. 4.

    Emotion or feeling as distinguished from cognition.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    adversely affect — To have a negative impact on.
  • •
    deeply affect — To have a strong emotional impact.
  • •
    affect change — To bring about change (often confused with "effect change").

Related words

Antonyms: leave unaffected
See also: affected, effect, impact, influence
Synonyms: alter, impact, influence, touch

Etymology

From Latin afficere ("to do something to, act on"), from ad- ("to") + facere ("to do").