influence

[ in-floo-uhns ]

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.

verb (used with object)

, in·flu·enced, in·flu·enc·ing.

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, arouse, rouse, incite, instigate

influence

/ 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. under the influence informal.
   drunk

verb

1. to persuade or induce
2. to have an effect upon (actions, events, etc); affect

Derived Forms

• ˈinfluenceable, adjective
• ˈinfluencer, noun

Other Words From

• in·flu·ence·a·ble adjective
• in·flu·enc·er noun
• coun·ter·in·flu·ence noun verb (used with object) counterinfluenced counterinfluencing
• in·ter·in·flu·ence verb interinfluenced interinfluencing
• non·in·flu·ence noun
• out·in·flu·ence verb (used with object) outinfluenced outinfluencing
• o·ver·in·flu·ence verb (used with object) overinfluenced overinfluencing
• pre·in·flu·ence noun
• re·in·flu·ence verb (used with object) reinfluenced reinfluencing
• su·per·in·flu·ence noun verb (used with object) superinfluenced superinfluencing
• un·in·flu·enced adjective
• un·in·flu·enc·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of influence¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of influence¹

C14: from Medieval Latin influentia emanation of power from the stars, from Latin influere to flow into, from fluere to flow

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

   He was driving while under the influence.

More idioms and phrases containing influence

see under the influence .

Example Sentences

Rams receiver Demarcus Robinson was arrested early Monday on suspicion of driving under the influence after California Highway Patrol officers observed him driving more than 100 mph on the 101 Freeway, the CHP said.

From Los Angeles Times

"We want people to understand that they can influence the landscape around them even without a lot of money," Katti said.

From Science Daily

The post of president in Romania is significant, with considerable influence on foreign policy.

From BBC

The paper tested the influence of networked friendship quality on trait self-esteem and loneliness.

From Science Daily

The amount of metals a supernova has also influences aspects like the number of nuclear reactions it may have or how long its explosion remains bright.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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

When To Use

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.