Legal Definitions - affect

Affect, verb, means to produce an effect on something or someone, to influence in some way. It can also mean to pledge property or revenues as security for a loan or to seize a debtor's property in Scots law.

• The weather can affect your mood.
• She was affected by the news of her friend's illness.
• The company affects the environment with its manufacturing processes.
• He affects a British accent when he speaks.
• The farmer affected his land as collateral for a loan.
• The creditor affected the debtor's property to recover the loan.

The examples illustrate how affect can be used in different contexts. The first three examples show how something can influence or impact a person's mood, emotions, or surroundings. The fourth example shows how someone can intentionally change their behavior or speech to appear different. The last two examples show how the term is used in legal contexts, such as pledging property as collateral or seizing a debtor's property.