affect

One entry found for affect.

Main Entry: ³affect
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from affectus, past participle of afficere
: to produce an effect upon: as a : to produce a material influence upon or alteration in <paralysis affected his limbs> b : to act upon (as a person or a person's mind or feelings) so as to effect a response : INFLUENCE
usage see EFFECT
- af·fect·abil·i·ty /-"fek-t&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
- af·fect·able /-'fek-t&-b&l/ adjective
synonyms AFFECT, INFLUENCE, TOUCH, IMPRESS, STRIKE, SWAY mean to produce or have an effect upon. AFFECT implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction <the sight affected her to tears>. INFLUENCE implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior) <our beliefs are influenced by our upbringing>. TOUCH may carry a vivid suggestion of close contact and may connote stirring, arousing, or harming <plants touched by frost> <his emotions were touched by her distress>. IMPRESS stresses the depth and persistence of the effect <only one of the plans impressed him>. STRIKE, similar to but weaker than impress, may convey the notion of sudden sharp perception or appreciation <struck by the solemnity of the occasion>. SWAY implies the acting of influences that are not resisted or are irresistible, with resulting change in character or course of action <politicians who are swayed by popular opinion>.