Definition

1. Noun:

   • The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something: The power to change or sway someone's actions, thoughts, or decisions.
   • A person or thing with such power: An entity that exerts this effect.
   • The effect itself: The result or consequence of this power.

2. Verb:

   • To have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something: To sway, affect, or shape.
   • To persuade or induce someone to do something, often indirectly: To use one's power or charm to affect an outcome.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Her positive attitude was a strong influence on the team's morale.
  • He used his influence to secure funding for the project.
  • The book had a profound influence on my thinking.

• Verb:

  • The teacher's encouragement influenced her to pursue science.
  • Market trends influence our business strategy.
  • Try not to let fear influence your decision.

Advanced Usage

• "Sphere of influence": The area or range over which a person, organization, or nation has power or control.

  • The company expanded its sphere of influence in the Asian market.

• "Under the influence": Affected by something, most commonly used to mean being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.

  • He was arrested for driving under the influence.

• "To exert influence": To apply or use one's power to affect something.

  • The lobbyists tried to exert influence on the new legislation.

Variants and Related Words

• Influential (adj): Having great influence or power.

  • She is an influential leader in the community.

• Influencer (n): A person who has the power to affect the purchasing decisions or opinions of others, especially via social media.

  • The brand partnered with a popular fashion influencer.

Synonyms

• Noun: Effect, impact, sway, power, control, authority, clout.
• Verb: Affect, shape, sway, determine, guide, mold, persuade.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Influence on/upon: To have an effect on someone or something.
  • Her research has had a significant influence on public policy.

Related Idioms

• A bad/good influence: A person or thing that encourages bad or good behavior.

  • Parents worry that certain friends might be a bad influence.

• Wield influence: To exercise power or authority.

  • The senator wields considerable influence in foreign affairs.

Noun

1. one having power to influence another
   • she was the most important influence in my life
   • he was a bad influence on the children
2. the effect of one thing (or person) on another
   • the influence of mechanical action
3. a cognitive factor that tends to have an effect on what you do
   • her wishes had a great influence on his thinking
4. causing something without any direct or apparent effort
5. a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
   • used her parents' influence to get the job

Verb

1. induce into action by using one's charm
   • She charmed him into giving her all his money
2. shape or influence; give direction to
   • experience often determines ability
   • mold public opinion
3. have and exert influence or effect
   • The artist's work influenced the young painter
   • She worked on her friends to support the political candidate