Meaning & use

go into effect

phrase·Academic

To become legally or officially operative, as a law, rule, or agreement begins to apply.

See it in a sentence

The new speed limit will go into effect on the first of next month.

The updated privacy policy goes into effect for all users immediately.

A note on using this word

Used especially of laws, contracts, and policies; 'take effect' is a nearly interchangeable alternative.

Words with a similar meaning

take effectbecome effective

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

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