effectuate

verb

ef·​fec·​tu·​ate i-ˈfek-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce effectuate (audio)
-chü-ˌāt
effectuated; effectuating; effectuates

transitive verb

formal : to cause or bring about (something) : to put (something) into effect or operation : effect sense 2
… the insured or depositor relies on the insurer or bank to effectuate his wishes …William M. McGovern, Jr. et al.
… emphasizing the importance of institutions in effectuating good works …Aaron Wildavsky
effectuation noun
The defendant may waive effectuation of these rights, provided the waiver is made voluntarily, knowingly and intelligently. Irving R. Kaufman

Examples of effectuate in a Sentence

the hope that the greater social interaction between members of the different classes will effectuate greater school spirit
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many of the volunteers would use equipment such as night-vision goggles to watch for migrants crossing the desert, spotting them with flashlights, and then call Border Patrol agents to effectuate arrests. Jessica Pishko, New Yorker, 6 June 2025 Nor can Trump rely only on his powers of persuasion to effectuate a deal. Victor Cha, Foreign Affairs, 29 May 2025 The judges gave the Trump administration 10 days to issue any administrative orders needed to effectuate their ruling. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 28 May 2025 The tech is there, but the system hasn't caught up to effectuate the best outcomes. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for effectuate

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed (with addition of -ate entry 4) from Middle French effectuer, affectuer, borrowed from Medieval Latin effectuāre, verbal derivative of Latin effectus "achievement, result, effect entry 1"

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of effectuate was circa 1586

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Effectuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effectuate. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

effectuate

verb
ef·​fec·​tu·​ate i-ˈfek-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce effectuate (audio)
effectuated; effectuating
formal
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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