I. ˈinˌflüən(t)s sometimes ə̇nˈf- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin influentia, from Latin influent-, influens, present participle of influere to flow in, from in- in- (II) + fluere to flow + -ia -y — more at fluid
1.
a. : an ethereal fluid thought to flow from the stars and to affect the actions of men
b. : a supposed emanation of occult power from stars
c. obsolete : character or temperament due to such power
2. : the exercise of a power like the supposed power of the stars : an emanation of spiritual or moral force
3. obsolete : inflow , influx
4.
a. : the act, process, or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of tangible force or direct exercise of command and often without deliberate effort or intent
primitive men thinking that almost everything is significant and can exert influence of some sort — William James
b. : corrupt interference with or manipulation of authority for personal gain
influence may have had something to do with getting government money for the hotels — Marcus Duffield
charges of corruption and influence peddling — Christian Science Monitor
c. : the exertion of force at a distance
tides are caused by the influence of the moon and sun
5. : the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways : dominance , sway , ascendancy
under the influence of liquor
you don't necessarily measure the influence of a religion by the number of churches it puts up — Green Peyton
the intoxicating influence of the mountain air — W.S.Gilbert
6. : a person or thing that exerts influence
open water affected by continental influences — R.E.Coker
Scotch-Irish, who still constitute the dominant influence , began to flow into the settlement — American Guide Series: Pennsylvania
7. : induction 4c
Synonyms:
authority , prestige , weight , credit : influence refers to power exerted over others, often through high position, strength of intellect, force of character, or degree of accomplishment, sometimes exercised unconsciously and felt insensibly, sometimes consciously or calculatedly brought to bear
as provost of the Swedish clergymen he exercised a quickening influence over all the Swedish congregations — G.H.Genzmer
swept aside by the influence of the special interests bent on maintaining price levels against deflation — T.W.Arnold
authority signifies power resident in a person to command belief, acceptance, or allegiance, often through learning or wisdom
Aristotle's authority was so great, and the homocentric system which he had espoused became so enmeshed in literature, that his system had its followers throughout the Middle Ages — G.C.Sellery
the personal authority [of Augustus] which, far more than any legal or constitutional device, was the true secret of his later power — John Buchan
to face a good orchestra with inward and outward authority and assurance — J.N.Burk
prestige refers to the force of conspicuous excellence or of continued repute as superior, with resultant ability to command deference
the almost magical prestige that had belonged to the original humanists — Aldous Huxley
Napoleon insisted on a strict etiquette. He was right. It was only by keeping up the fiction of grandeur that he could maintain his prestige — André Maurois
weight applies to power over or influence over others, often measurable and undeniable, and sometimes decisive
Mrs. Hawthorne's authoritative air was beginning to have some weight with him — Archibald Marshall
men who take the lead, and whose opinions and wishes have great weight with the others — J.G.Frazer
credit applies to ability to influence arising from merit or favorable reputation
his position was distinctly stronger and once more he had shown his ability to handle a delicate situation to the credit of his government and himself — W.C.Ford
the film was a success, with much of the credit going to the newcomer — Current Biography
•
- under the influence
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
1. : to affect or alter the conduct, thought, or character of by indirect or intangible means : sway
pilots … by listening to passengers who have influenced better judgment — Skyways
economic and political factors that influence decisions by managers of European zones — R.S.Thoman
2. : to have an effect on the condition or development of : determine partially : modify
output was strongly influenced by the feelings of the worker about the job — Stuart Chase
outdoor living has influenced the design … of furniture — N.C.Brown
3. obsolete : induce , infuse
intransitive verb
archaic : to exert influence
Synonyms: see affect