influence

¹in·flu·ence

noun \ˈin-ˌflü-ən(t)s, especially Southern in-ˈ\

Definition of INFLUENCE

1

a : an ethereal fluid held to flow from the stars and to affect the actions of humans

b : an emanation of occult power held to derive from stars

2

: an emanation of spiritual or moral force

3

a : the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command

b : corrupt interference with authority for personal gain

4

: the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways : sway

5

: one that exerts influence

— under the influence

: affected by alcohol : drunk <was arrested for driving under the influence>

Examples of INFLUENCE

1. Recent years have seen a decline in the company's influence within the industry.
2. Her ideas have gradually gained influence in the company.
3. He used his influence to reform the company's policies.
4. She has remained under the influence of her parents.
5. She claims that her personal problems played no influence upon her decision to resign.
6. His health problems may have had some influence on his decision.
7. Her parents still have a great deal of influence over her.
8. The chairman wields considerable influence over the board's decisions.
9. Her parents are concerned that her new friends may have a bad influence on her.
10. Emily Dickinson has had a major influence on his poetry.

Origin of INFLUENCE

Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin influentia, from Latin influent-, influens, present participle of influere to flow in, from in- + fluere to flow — more at fluid

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to INFLUENCE

Synonyms

authority, clout, credit, heft, in, juice [slang], leverage, pull, sway, weight

Related Words

counterinfluence; command, dominance, dominion, mastery, predominance, reign, scepter, sovereignty (also sovranty), supremacy; consequence, eminence, importance, moment; impact, impress, impression, imprint, mark

Near Antonyms

helplessness, impotence, impotency, powerlessness, weakness

Synonym Discussion of INFLUENCE

influence, authority, prestige, weight, credit mean power exerted over the minds or behavior of others. influence may apply to a force exercised and received consciously or unconsciously <used her influence to get the bill passed>. authority implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief <his opinions lacked authority>. prestige implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or reputation for superiority <the prestige of the newspaper>. weight implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices <their wishes obviously carried much weight>. credit suggests influence that arises from the confidence of others <his credit with the press>.

²influence

transitive verb

influencedinfluenc·ing

Definition of INFLUENCE

1

: to affect or alter by indirect or intangible means

2

: to have an effect on the condition or development of

— in·flu·ence·able \-ən(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of INFLUENCE

1. I was deeply influenced by my parents.
2. She claims that her decision to resign was not influenced by her personal problems.
3. No one knows how this decision will influence the outcome of the election.
4. He's accused of illegally attempting to influence the jury.

First Known Use of INFLUENCE

1658

Related to INFLUENCE

Synonyms

impact, impress, ¹affect, move, reach, strike, sway, tell (on), touch

Related Words

carry away, dazzle, enrapture, entrance, enthrall (or enthral), ravish, transport; bias, color; inspire, stir; engage, interest, involve, penetrate, pierce; afflict, agitate, bother, concern, discomfort, discompose, disquiet, distress, disturb, fluster, harass, harry, perturb, pester, plague, smite, strain, stress, trouble, try, upset, worry, wring; allure, attract, bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant, fascinate

Near Antonyms

bore, jade, pall, tire, weary; underwhelm

See Synonym Discussion at affect