Word of the Week
INFLUENCE (1)
1in·flu·ence
noun \ˈin-ˌflü-ən(t)s, especially Southern in-: the power to change or affect someone or something
: the power to cause changes without directly forcing them to happen
: a person or thing that affects someone or something in an important way
Full Definition of INFLUENCE
1a : an ethereal fluid held to flow from the stars and to affect the actions of humans
2: an emanation of spiritual or moral force
3a : 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
- Recent years have seen a decline in the company's influence within the industry.
- Her ideas have gradually gained influence in the company.
- He used his influence to reform the company's policies.
- She has remained under the influence of her parents.
- She claims that her personal problems played no influence upon her decision to resign.
- His health problems may have had some influence on his decision.
- Her parents still have a great deal of influence over her.
- The chairman wields considerable influence over the board's decisions.
- Her parents are concerned that her new friends may have a bad influence on her.
- Emily Dickinson has had a major influence on his poetry.
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
Influence (2)
2influence
transitive verb: to affect or change (someone or something) in an indirect but usually important way
: to have an influence on (someone or something)
influenced
influenc·ing
Full 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
- I was deeply influenced by my parents.
- She claims that her decision to resign was not influenced by her personal problems.
- No one knows how this decision will influence the outcome of the election.
- He's accused of illegally attempting to influence the jury.
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