influence

/ˈin-ˌflü-ən(t)s/

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

noun

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

  2. the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command

  3. corrupt interference with authority for personal gain

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. authority implies the power of winning devotion or allegiance or of compelling acceptance and belief.

verb

  1. to affect or alter by indirect or intangible means

  2. to have an effect on the condition or development of

She attempted to influence his decision.

affect influence touch impress strike sway mean to produce or have an effect upon. affect implies the action of a stimulus that can produce a response or reaction. influence implies a force that brings about a change (as in nature or behavior).

noun phrase

  1. a territorial area within which the political influence or the interests of one nation are held to be more or less paramount