I. ˈswā noun
Etymology: Middle English sweigh, from sweyen
Date: 14th century
1. : the action or an instance of swaying or of being swayed : an oscillating, fluctuating, or sweeping motion
2. : an inclination or deflection caused by or as if by swaying
3.
a. : a controlling influence
b. : sovereign power : dominion
c. : the ability to exercise influence or authority : dominance
Synonyms: see power
II. verb
Etymology: alteration of earlier swey to fall, swoon, from Middle English sweyen, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse sveigja to sway; akin to Lithuanian svaigti to become dizzy
Date: circa 1500
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to swing slowly and rhythmically back and forth from a base or pivot
b. : to move gently from an upright to a leaning position
2. : to hold sway : act as ruler or governor
3. : to fluctuate or veer between one point, position, or opinion and another
transitive verb
1.
a. : to cause to sway : set to swinging, rocking, or oscillating
b. : to cause to bend downward to one side
c. : to cause to turn aside : deflect , divert
2. archaic
a. : wield
b. : govern , rule
3.
a. : to cause to vacillate
b. : to exert a guiding or controlling influence on
4. : to hoist in place
sway up a mast
Synonyms: see swing , affect
• sway·er noun