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influence

Pronunciation: /ˈɪnflʊəns/

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Definition of influence

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something, or the effect itself:the influence of television violence I was still under the influence of my parents [count noun]:their friends are having a bad influence on them
  • the power to shape policy or ensure favourable treatment from someone, especially through status, contacts, or wealth:the institute has considerable influence with teachers
  • [count noun] a person or thing with the capacity to have an influence on someone or something:Fiona was a good influence on her
  • 2 Physics, archaic electrical or magnetic induction.

verb

[with object]
  • have an influence on:feminist ideas have influenced the law-makers

Phrases

under the influence

informal affected by alcoholic drink or drugs:he was charged with driving under the influence

Derivatives

influenceable

adjective

influencer

noun

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin influentia 'inflow', from Latin influere, from in- 'into' + fluere 'to flow'. The word originally had the general sense 'an influx, flowing matter', also specifically (in astrology) 'the flowing in of ethereal fluid (affecting human destiny)'. The sense 'imperceptible or indirect action exerted to cause changes' was established in Scholastic Latin by the 13th century, but not recorded in English until the late 16th century

influence in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of influence in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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