Guest
Nerddpedia The living encyclopedia

influence JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ˈɪn.flu.əns/ · in·fluence
noun
  1. The power to affect, control, or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of thoughts, conduct, or decisions. She has considerable influence over the committee's decisions.
  2. An action exerted by a person or thing with such power on another to cause change. His speech was a subtle influence on the audience's opinions.
  3. A person or thing exerting such power or action. Einstein remains a lasting influence in modern physics.
verb
  1. To have an effect on by using gentle or subtle action; to modify, bias, or sway. The novel influenced my view of history.
  2. To exert or make use of one's influence. She tried to influence the board's decision.
  3. To cause to flow in or into; to infuse or instill. The teacher's enthusiasm influenced a love of learning in her students.
Did you know? In medieval astrology, 'influence' described the believed flow of celestial bodies' energies onto Earth, a notion that gave rise to the modern sense of power to affect.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 14, 2026