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. under the influence colloq. affected by alcoholic drink. influenceable adj. influencer n.
[ ME f. OF influence or med.L influentia inflow f. L influere flow in (as IN-(2), fluere flow) ]