Následky

Následky is a Czech and Slovak plural noun derived from the singular následek, meaning a consequence, result or effect of an action, event or condition. The term broadly denotes outcomes that follow causal processes and is used in everyday language as well as specialist discourse.

In law and public policy, následky refer to legal, social or economic repercussions of decisions, crimes or regulations, including penalties and broader societal impacts. In medicine and public health, the word covers sequelae, side effects and long-term health outcomes resulting from illness, injury or treatment. Environmental and disaster studies use následky to describe ecological damage, economic loss and community disruption that follow natural or human-made catastrophes. In social sciences and humanities it denotes cultural, psychological or institutional effects of historical events, policies or social changes.

Assessment of následky typically involves establishing causality, measuring scope and severity, and considering temporal aspects such as immediate versus long-term effects. Mitigation and prevention focus on reducing negative následky through policy measures, medical interventions, planning and education. Synonyms in translation include consequences, effects, aftermath and repercussions. The related verb následovat means to follow, reflecting the temporal and causal relationship implied by the term.