/ sweɪ; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb
1.
[usually + adv. / prep. ] to move slowly from side to side; to move sth in this way :
[ v ]
The branches were swaying in the wind.
Vicky swayed and fell.
[ vn ]
They danced rhythmically, swaying their hips to the music.
2.
[ vn ] [ often passive ] to persuade sb to believe sth or do sth
SYN influence :
He's easily swayed.
She wasn't swayed by his good looks or his clever talk.
■ noun [ U ]
1.
a movement from side to side
2.
( literary ) power or influence over sb :
Rebel forces hold sway over much of the island.
He was quick to exploit those who fell under his sway .
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : corresponding in sense to Low German swājen be blown to and fro and Dutch zwaaien swing, walk totteringly.