aftermath

American  

[af-ter-math, ahf-] / ˈæf tərˌmæθ, ˈɑf- /

noun

1. something that results or follows from an event, especially one of a disastrous or unfortunate nature; consequence.

   the aftermath of war; the aftermath of the flood.

   Synonyms:

   upshot, result, outcome

2. a new growth of grass following one or more mowings, which may be grazed, mowed, or plowed under.

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aftermath British  

/ -ˌmæθ, ˈɑːftəˌmɑːθ /

noun

1. signs or results of an event or occurrence considered collectively, esp of a catastrophe or disaster

   the aftermath of war

2. agriculture a second mowing or crop of grass from land that has already yielded one crop earlier in the same year

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Etymology

Origin of aftermath

1515–25; after + math a mowing, Old English mǣth; cognate with Old High German mād ( German Mahd ); akin to mow ¹

Explanation

The aftermath of a car crash might include a broken fender, a sprained rib, and a lecture from a police officer. The consequences of an unpleasant event make up its aftermath. The math in aftermath does not refer to adding or subtracting numbers, rather it is related to a Germanic word for mowing, or harvest. If you have been mowed down by a class of excited first graders, the aftermath might be a bruised knee, a headache from all of the squealing, and red face from embarrassment.

Example Sentences

In years when there was little polarization or more national unity, like in the aftermath of 9/11, the effect of playing in a diverse political group disappears almost completely.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

That same year, he and his deputies were photographed kneeling and speaking with protesters in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd, an action he has since recast as praying.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

She now owns her own pilates studio, which she set up in the aftermath, after being told she could not continue to do the exercise she loved.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

In the aftermath of the incident, J.M. has exhibited diminished cognitive function, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and is terrified of bath time — an activity he previously enjoyed, according to the complaint.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

It wasn't quite like stepping into a military ambush, or being on the front lines in Spain, or witnessing the aftermath of an atomic bomb, but the atmosphere around me was definitely hostile.

From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos

Related Words

• chain reaction
• impact
• outcome