/ɪˈfekt ||; ɪˈfɛkt/noun1 [C,U] (an) effect (on sb/sth) a change that is caused by sth; a result 影响；结果: the effects of acid rain on the lakes and forests 酸雨对湖泊和森林的影响Her shouting had little or no effect on him. 她只管大叫，他就是不理不睬。Despite her terrible experience, she seems to have suffered no ill effects. 尽管有过可怕的经历，她似乎未受不良影响。 ☞Look at after-effect and side-effect and at the note at affect. 参看 after-effect、side-effect 及 affect 的注释。
2 [C,U] a particular look, sound or impression that an artist, writer, etc wants to create （艺术家、作家等想要创造的）效果: How does the artist create the effect of moonlight? 画家怎样创造出月光的效果？He likes to say things just for effect (= to impress people). 他爱哗众取宠。
3 effects [pl] (formal 正式) your personal possessions 私人财物
come into effect (used especially about laws or rules) to begin to be used （尤指法律、规则等）生效，实施
in effect 1 in fact; for all practical purposes 实际上；事实上: Though they haven't made an official announcement, she is, in effect, the new director. 虽然还没正式宣布，但她实际上已是新任的主管。
2 (used about a rule, a law, etc) in operation; in use （指规则、法律等）生效: The new rules will be in effect from next month. 这些新规定从下月起实施。
take effect 1 (used about a drug, etc) to begin to work; to produce the result you want （指药物等）见效: The anaesthetic took effect immediately. 麻醉药立即见效。
2 (used about a law, etc) to come into operation （指法律等）生效: The ceasefire takes effect from midnight. 停火在午夜生效。
to this/that effect with this/that meaning 有这个或那个意思:
I told him to leave her alone, or words to that effect. 我叫他不要缠住她，话的大意是这样。