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influence definition

in·flu·ence (in′flo̵̅o̅ əns, in flo̵̅o̅′əns)

noun

  1. Astrol. the flowing of an ethereal fluid or power from the stars, thought to affect people's character and actions
    1. the power of persons or things to affect others, seen only in its effects
    2. the action or effect of such power
  3. the ability of a person or group to produce effects indirectly by means of power based on wealth, high position, etc.
  4. a person or thing that has influence
  5. Elec. the effect of an external field

Etymology: OFr < ML influentia, a flowing in < L influens, prp. of influere, to flow in < -in, in + fluere, to flow: see fluctuate

transitive verb influenced -·enced, influencing -·enc·ing

to exert or have influence on; have an effect on the nature, behavior, development, action, or thought of

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

idioms influence idiom

influence Synonyms

influence

n.

  1. Attraction

    sway, spell, magnetism; see attraction 1.

  2. Power to influence others

    control, weight, authority, supremacy, command, domination, leadership, power, leverage, prerogative, esteem, monopoly, rule, sway, hold, fame, prominence, prestige, character, reputation, force, impact, importance, significance, connections, power behind the throne*, clout*, juice*, pull*; see also impact 2, leadership 1, power 2.

influence implies the power of persons or things (whether or not exerted consciously or overtly) to affect others used his influence to get elected; authority implies the power to command acceptance, belief, obedience, etc., based on strength of character, expertness of knowledge, etc. a statement made on good authority; prestige implies the power to command esteem or admiration, based on brilliance of achievement or outstanding superiority; weight implies influence that is more or less preponderant in its effect his viewpoint had great weight with his colleagues


influence

v.

affect, sway, impress, incline, move, dispose, carry weight, count, be influential, determine, make oneself felt, have influence over, lead, touch, lead to believe, get into favor, bring pressure to bear, bribe, seduce, talk into, alter, change, modify, act upon, act on, brainwash, direct, control, regulate, rule, guide, compel, urge, incite, bias, prejudice, turn, train, channel, mold, form, shape, argue into, exercise influence, exert influence, have a part in, bear upon, impact, impact on, gain the confidence of, gain a hold upon, be recognized, make one's voice heard, manipulate, bend to one's will, induce, cajole, convince, persuade, inveigle, motivate, inspire, actuate, prevail over, get at*, have an in*, pull strings*, fix*, wear the pants*, have pull*, have clout*, twist around one's little finger*, have a finger in the pie*, lead by the nose*, have one's ear*, lobby through*, have the inside track*, have in one's pocket*. See syn. study at affect.affect.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

influence Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • alcohol: No one under the influence of alcohol will be allowed to sail.

Object

  • decision: Analyzing the status of various client groups can influence decisions on whether to begin new groups or focus on capacity building of existing groups.

Converse of object

  • exert: First, whether it can move beyond the role of passive recipient of management information to exert active influence over company policy.

Adjective modifier

  • undue: Knowledge and approval; effect of undue influence, suspicious circumstances, fraud, mistake.

Noun used with modifier

  • jazz: Franks for his use of jazz influences to compliment his excellent lyric content and King for writing some of the great soul classics.
influence usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

influence quotes

A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.

-Adams, Henry Brooks

   She had a womanly instinct that clothes possess an influence more powerful over many than the worth of character or the magic of manners.

-Alcott, Louisa May

The British'Sphere of Influence'öthe cricket ball.

-Anonymous

influence quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"influence." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/influence>

APA Style

influence. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/influence

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