influence

American  

[in-floo-uhns] / ˈɪn flu əns /

noun

1. the capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others.

   He used family influence to get the contract.

2. the action or process of producing effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others.

   Her mother's influence made her stay.

   Synonyms:

   guidance, pressure, sway, effect

3. a person or thing that exerts influence.

   He is an influence for the good.

4. Astrology.

   1. the radiation of an ethereal fluid from the stars, regarded as affecting human actions and destinies.

   2. the exercise of occult power by the stars, or such power as exercised.

5. the exercise of similar power by human beings.

6. Obsolete. influx.

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verb (used with object)

influenced, influencing

1. to exercise influence on; affect; sway.

   to influence a person.

   Synonyms:

   move, impress, control, direct, bias

2. to move or impel (a person) to some action.

   Outside factors influenced her to resign.

   Synonyms:

   persuade, induce, instigate, arouse, rouse, incite

idioms

1. under the influence, less than drunk but with one's nervous system impaired: Also under the influence of intoxicating liquor

   He was driving while under the influence.

influence British  

/ ˈɪnflʊəns /

noun

1. an effect of one person or thing on another

2. the power of a person or thing to have such an effect

3. power or sway resulting from ability, wealth, position, etc

4. a person or thing having influence

5. astrology an ethereal fluid or occult power regarded as emanating from the stars and affecting a person's actions, future, etc

6. informal drunk

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verb

1. to persuade or induce

2. to have an effect upon (actions, events, etc); affect

influence More Idioms  

1. see under the influence.

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Usage

What are other ways to say influence? Influence is the action or process of producing effects on the actions, behavior, opinions of another or others. How does influence compare to control and authority? Find out on Thesaurus.com. 

Other Word Forms

• counterinfluence noun
• influenceable adjective
• influencer noun
• interinfluence verb
• noninfluence noun
• outinfluence verb (used with object)
• overinfluence verb (used with object)
• preinfluence noun
• reinfluence verb (used with object)
• superinfluence noun
• uninfluenced adjective
• uninfluencing adjective

Etymology

Origin of influence

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Medieval Latin influentia “stellar emanation,” equivalent to Latin influent- ( influent ) + -ia -y ³; -ence

Example Sentences

Ottawa views China as "an increasingly disruptive global power" that "increasingly disregards" international rules and norms, though it recognises China's size and influence make some cooperation necessary.

From BBC

Location can greatly influence healthcare outcomes, the affordability of everyday goods and services, and quality of life.

From MarketWatch

He follows the establishment of the Catholic Church’s vast influence over law, politics and culture in the south, while the new nation’s protestant community almost disappeared through assimilation, migration and sometimes persecution.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It's a good reminder that the sun is the only star that influences our activities," adds Kontogiannis.

From Science Daily

Since Israel recognised Somaliland last month, the self-declared republic on the Gulf of Aden has become central to a struggle over military access, ports and regional influence across the Red Sea corridor.

From Barron's

Related Words

• clout
• consequence
• control
• domination
• effect
• force
• impact
• importance
• leadership
• leverage
• money
• pressure
• prestige
• repercussion
• reputation
• significance
• weight