collateral effect

[kəˈlætərəl ɪˈfɛkt]
nounpl: collateral effects
efeito colateral
1. A secondary or unintended consequence that occurs as a result of an action, decision, or process, typically in legal, medical, or policy contexts
The new tax policy had several collateral effects on small businesses.
A nova política fiscal teve vários efeitos colaterais para as pequenas empresas.
2. In legal contexts, an indirect or secondary legal consequence or impact of a court decision
The ruling had collateral effects on related cases in the jurisdiction.
A sentença teve efeitos colaterais em casos relacionados na jurisdição.
3. In medicine, an undesired secondary effect accompanying the desired therapeutic effect of a drug or treatment
The medication is effective, but it has some collateral effects that patients should be aware of.
O medicamento é eficaz, mas tem alguns efeitos colaterais que os pacientes devem estar cientes.
In Brazil, 'efeito colateral' is the predominant term used in medical prescriptions, legal documents, and policy discussions. It is formal and widely understood across all educational levels. The term reflects the borrowing of English legal and medical terminology that became standard in Portuguese-speaking countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
side effectsecondary effectunintended consequencespillover effect
Antonyms / Antônimos
primary effectintended effectdirect effect

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
efeito colateral
Most common term used across Brazil in medical, legal, and general contexts
Rio de Janeiro
efeito colateral / efeito secundário
Both terms widely used; 'secundário' sometimes preferred in informal speech
São Paulo
efeito colateral
Standard formal usage in business and legal documents
Portugal
efeito colateral / efeito secundário
Both terms accepted; Portuguese tends toward 'efeito secundário' in medical contexts

Related Words

consequenceimpactside-effectramificationimplicationindirect effect

Related Idioms & Phrases

have collateral effects
cause collateral effects
suffer collateral effects
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