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influence

in·flu·ence [ ín floo ənss ]


noun  (plural in·flu·enc·es)
Definition:
 
1. effect on something: the effect of something on a person, thing, or event
Picasso's influence on the course of 20th-century art

2. power to sway: the power that somebody has to affect other people's thinking or actions by means of argument, example, or force of personality
She came under the influence of one of her teachers.

3. special advantage: the power or authority that comes from wealth, social status, or position

4. somebody who can sway another: somebody or something able to affect the course of events or somebody's thinking or action
He's a bad influence on you.

5. stars' effect on people: in astrology, an emanation that is believed to come from the stars and planets and to affect human characteristics, personality, and actions



transitive verb  (past and past participle in·flu·enced, present participle in·flu·enc·ing, 3rd person present singular in·flu·enc·es)
Definition:
 
1. sway somebody: to have an effect on somebody that helps to determine that person's actions, behavior, or way of thinking
What influenced you in your choice of career?

2. affect something: to have the power to affect something
the factors that influence a nation's development

[14th century. < medieval Latin influentia< Latin influere "flow in" < fluere "to flow"]

in·flu·ence·a·ble adjective
in·flu·enc·er noun

under the influence intoxicated by the use of a chemical substance, especially alcohol (informal)

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