Entry Word: influence

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly <a mayor who doesnʼt hesitate to use her influence to get business leaders behind civic improvements>

Synonyms authority, clout, pull, sway, weight

Related Words command, dominance, dominion, mastery, predominance, scepter, sovereignty, supremacy; consequence, eminence, importance, moment; impact, impression, mark

Near Antonyms helplessness, impotence, powerlessness, weakness

2 the power to bring about a result on another <the basic premise of astrology is that the position of the stars has an influence on human affairs> — see effect 2