Definition of: influence

(in′fl·əns) noun
1. The power or process of producing an effect upon a person, by imperceptible or intangible means.
2. Power arising from social, financial, moral, or similar authority.
3. A person, group, or the like possessing such power.
4. Electr. Electrostatic induction.
5. In astrology, originally, an ethereal fluid flowing from the stars and affecting the character and actions of men; later, an occult force of the stars exercising a similar control. See synonyms under IMPULSE, OPERATION.
—v.t. ·enced, ·enc·ing
1. To exert mental or moral influence upon or over; sway; persuade.
2. To act upon physically; affect the nature or condition of; modify: Fatigue often influences the eyesight. [<F <LL influentia <influens, -entis, ppr. of influere <in- in + fluere flow. Doublet of INFLUENZA.]
—in′flu·enc′er noun Synonyms (verb): activate, actuate, affect, command, compel, dispose, draw, drive, excite, impel, incite, incline, induce, instigate, lead, mold, move, persuade, prompt, stir, sway, urge. To influence is to affect, modify, or act upon by physical, mental, or moral power, especially in some gentle, subtle, and gradual way; as, Vegetation is influenced by light; Everyone is influenced to some extent by public opinion; influence is chiefly used of power acting from without, but it may be used of motives regarded as forces acting upon the will. Activate means to put or go into action, to make capable of acting. Actuate refers to that which initiates the action of a mechanism or apparatus, as well as to mental or moral power impelling one from within. One may influence, but cannot directly actuate another; but one may be actuated to cruelty by hatred. Prompt and stir are words of mere suggestion toward some course of action; dispose, draw, incline, influence, and lead refer to the use of mild means to awaken in another a purpose or disposition to act. To excite is to arouse one from lethargy or indifference to action. Incite and instigate, to spur or goad to action, differ in the fact that incite may be good, while instigate is usually to evil (compare ABET). To urge and impel signify to produce strong excitation toward some act. Drive and compel imply irresistible influence accomplishing its object. One may be driven either by his own passions or by external force or urgency; one is compelled only by some external power; as, The owner was compelled by his misfortunes to sell his estate. Compare ACTUATE, BEND, COMPEL, DRIVE, GOVERN, PERSUADE. Antonyms: deter, discourage, dissuade, hinder, impede, inhibit, prevent, restrain, retard.