Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Affect: To have an impact on something or someone. It can mean to change or influence something in some way. It can also mean to use something as a promise to pay back a loan. In Scottish law, it can mean to take someone's property if they owe you money.
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 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.