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Added 6 October 2026

influence

/ˈɪn.flu.əns/ noun

In Latin: auctōritās Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about influence at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The 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.
An action exerted by a person or thing with such power on another to cause change.
I'm not able to exercise influence over him.
A person or thing exerting such power or action.
He has been a great influence on the voters during the elections.

verb

To 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.
To exert, make use of one's influence.
To cause to flow in or into; infuse; instill.

Origin

Inherited from Middle English influence, from Old French influence, borrowed from Medieval Latin īnfluentia, from Latin īnfluēns + -ia. Doublet of influenza.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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