Yahoo Web Search

Search results

1. Dictionary

   In·flu·ence

   /ˈinflo͝oəns/

   

   noun

   • 1. the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself: "the influence of television violence" Similar effectimpactcontrolswayholdpowerauthorityascendancymasterydominationsupremacyleadershipguidancedirectionpressure
   • ▪ the power to shape policy or ensure favorable treatment from someone, especially through status, contacts, or wealth: "the institute has considerable influence with teachers" Similar powerauthorityswayleverageweightstandingprestigestaturerankrankingpositionsocial positionstationconnectionscontactsweightageinformal:cloutpullmuscleteethdrag
   • ▪ a person or thing with the capacity or power to have an effect on someone or something: "Frank was a good influence on her" Similar example to/forexemplar forrole model formodel forguide forinspiration to
   • ▪ electrical or magnetic induction.

   verb

   • 1. have an influence on: "sometimes simple changes in a business environment can influence behavior" Similar affecthave an effect onexert influence ondetermineguidecontrolformshapegoverndecideregulatechangealtermodifytransformimpact onswaybiasaffectprejudicecolorpredisposesubornbring pressure to bear onpressurizecoercelean oninformal:pull strings withtwist someone's armnobblepersuadeconvincetalk aroundtalk intowin overbring aroundswaycoaxinduceinveigleimpelinciteenticetemptlurecajolemanipulatepromptcoercedragoonintimidatebrowbeatbrainwash

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin influentia ‘inflow’, from Latin influere, from in- ‘into’ + fluere ‘to flow’. The word originally had the general sense ‘an influx, flowing matter’, also specifically (in astrology) ‘the flowing in of ethereal fluid (affecting human destiny)’. The sense ‘imperceptible or indirect action exerted to cause changes’ was established in Scholastic Latin by the 13th century, but not recorded in English until the late 16th century.

   Derivatives

   • 1. influenceable adjective

   Scrabble Points: 14

   • I

     1

   • N

     1

   • F

     4

   • L

     1

   • U

     1

   • E

     1

   • N

     1

   • C

     3

   • E

     1

   Powered by Oxford Languages

   More Definitions, Word Origin & ScrabbleShow less