n. & v.
--n.
1. a (usu. foll. by on, upon) the effect a person or thing has on another. b (usu. foll. by over, with) moral ascendancy or power. c a thing or person exercising such power (is a good influence on them).
2 Astrol. an ethereal fluid supposedly flowing from the stars and affecting character and destiny.
3 Electr. archaic INDUCTION.
--v.tr. exert influence on; have an effect on.
Phrases and idioms:
under the influence colloq. affected by alcoholic drink.
Derivatives:
influenceable adj. influencer n.
Etymology: ME f. OF influence or med.L influentia inflow f. L influere flow in (as IN-(2), fluere flow)