special effect

[spesh-uhl i-fekt]

noun

Movies, Television.

1. Usually special effects a video or audio illusion in film or other media, created with computer-generated images, prosthetic makeup, pyrotechnics, etc. SFX

Word History and Origins

Origin of special effect¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

In the “Exorcist” maze, for instance, that means witnessing a full exorcism, complete with special effects that will have walls give way to demonic specters.

From Los Angeles Times

The generative AI used in The Eternauts helped its production team to complete a sequence 10 times faster than if they had used traditional special effects tools, he said.

From BBC

In addition to drama series, “Andor” was nominated for its directing, writing, cinematography, production design, costume, editing, score, original music, sound editing, sound mixing and special effects.

From Los Angeles Times

Thanks to a melange of practical effects, matte paintings, miniatures, models and costly, groundbreaking special effects, Donner achieved a superhero movie that looks unlike anything made in the decades since.

From Salon

The video monitors went their own crazy way, whether unmusically flipping from close-ups of fingers and lips or attempting surreal cornball special effects.

From Los Angeles Times