influence

plural influences

1. countableuncountableThe 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.

   1 more example

   The use of algorithms in policing is one example of their increasing influence on our lives. And, as their ubiquity spreads, so too does the debate around whether we should allow ourselves to become so reliant on them – and who, if anyone, is policing their use.

   2013 July 26, Leo Hickman, “How algorithms rule the world”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 7, page 26

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

   I'm not able to exercise influence over him.

   1 more example

   Terra Firma is an Alliance political party formed after the First Contact War. Its policy agenda is based on the principle that Earth must 'stand firm' against alien influences. This covers a variety of legislation. Recent activities by Terra Firma include opposition to a law requiring high school alien language study, a proposal to increase tariffs on alien imports, and leading a popular movement to mark the First Contact War with a public holiday.

   2008, BioWare, Mass Effect, Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →ISBN, →OCLC, PC, scene: Terra Firma Party Codex entry

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

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

   2 more examples

   The animals were thoroughly frightened. It seemed to them as though Snowball were some kind of invisible influence, pervading the air about them and menacing them with all kinds of dangers.

   1943 November – 1944 February (date written; published 1945 August 17), George Orwell [pseudonym; Eric Arthur Blair], Animal Farm […], London: Secker & Warburg, published May 1962, →OCLC

   Many genes with reproductive roles also have antibacterial and immune functions, which indicate that the threat of microbial attack on the sperm or egg may be a major influence on rapid evolution during reproduction.

   2013 May-June, Katrina G. Claw, “Rapid Evolution in Eggs and Sperm”, in American Scientist, volume 101, number 3

4. countableuncountableastrologyAn 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. countableobsoleteuncountableThe action of flowing in; influx.

   God hath his influence into the very essence of all things.

   [1594], Richard Hooker, edited by J[ohn] S[penser], Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, […], London: […] Iohn Windet, […], →OCLC, (please specify the page)

6. countableuncountablebusinessElectrostatic induction.

present singular third person influences · participle present influencing · participle past influenced · past influenced

1. transitiveTo 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.

   1 more example

   I must admit that this book influenced my outlook on life.

   Synonyms: militate, govern

2. intransitiveTo exert, make use of one's influence.
3. obsoletetransitiveTo cause to flow in or into; infuse; instill.