Definition of "influence" in English

noun

1. The power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions.

   • I have absolutely no influence over him.

2. An action exerted by a person or thing with such power on another to cause change.

   • I'm not able to exercise influence over him.

3. A person or thing exerting such power or action.

   • He has been a great influence on the voters during the elections.

4. (astrology) An element believed to determine someone's character or individual tendencies, caused by the position of the stars and planets at the time of one's birth.

5. (obsolete) The action of flowing in; influx.

6. (electricity) Electrostatic induction.

verb

1. (transitive) To have an effect on by using gentle or subtle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to persuade or induce.

   • The politician wants to influence the public.
   • I must admit that this book influenced my outlook on life.

2. (intransitive) To exert, make use of one's influence.

3. (transitive, obsolete) To cause to flow in or into; infuse; instill.