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

Evidence in the judge-led inquiry - which is examining the lead up to the attacks and decisions made in the aftermath - started again on Monday following a short break over Easter.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 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

In the aftermath, state regulators took crisis-proofing measures, establishing a financial-stability task force and subjecting life insurers to new stress-testing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“We appreciate all the support we’ve been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend,” Lindo told Image Awards attendees.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

In the aftermath of that meaningless scrimmage in the summer twilight in Lubbock, Trapper envisioned a definite fate for the Boobie Miles who had been the dazzling jewel of the Watermelon Feed.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

• chain reaction
• impact
• outcome