imitate, effect, give

效 is composed of 交 (cross) and a variant of 攴 (strike). 交 is a pictograph depicting a person with crossed shins, signifying crossing or overlapping, and implies interactions between people. 攴 portrays a hand holding a club-like weapon, conveying force or coercion. Thus, 效 conveys coercing others to follow and offer things, meaning to imitate or dedicate. Additionally, coercion makes actions faster and more precise, so 效 also means effectiveness or result.