influence
influence (ĭnʹfl-əns) noun
Abbr. infl.
1. A power affecting a person, thing, or course of events, especially one that operates without any direct or apparent effort: relaxed under the influence of the music; the influence of television on modern life.
2. a. Power to sway or affect based on prestige, wealth, ability, or position: used her parent's influence to get the job. b. One exercising such power: My parents considered my friend to be a bad influence on me. c. An effect or change produced by such power.
3. a. A determining factor believed by some to affect individual tendencies and characteristics understood to be caused by the positions of the stars and planets at the time of one's birth. b. Factors believed to be caused by the changing positions of the stars and planets in relation to those positions at the time of one's birth.
verb, transitive
influenced, influencing, influences
1. To produce an effect on by imperceptible or intangible means; sway.
2. To affect the nature, development, or condition of; modify. See synonyms at affect1.
idiom.
under the influence
Intoxicated, especially with alcohol.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin īnfluentia, influx, from Latin īnfluēns, īnfluent- present participle of īnfluere, to flow in : in-, in. See in-2 + fluere, to flow.]
inʹfluenceable adjective
inʹfluencer noun