influence Hear it!

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

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