English Dictionary: influence | by the DICT Development Group |
3 results for influence | |
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]: | |
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From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
Influence \In"flu*ence\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Influenced}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Influencing}.] To control or move by power, physical or moral; to affect by gentle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to move; to persuade; to induce. Theseexperiments succeed after the same manner in vacuo as in the open air,and therefore are not influenced by the weight or pressure of the atmosphere. --Sir I. Newton. This standing revelation . . . is sufficient to influence their faith and practice, if they attend. --Attebury. The principle which influenced their obedience has lost its efficacy. --Rogers. | |
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: | |
Influence \In"flu*ence\, n. [F. influence, fr. L. influens, -entis, p. pr. See {Influent}, and cf. {Influenza}.] 1. A flowing in or upon; influx. [Obs.] God hath his influence into the very essence of all things. --Hooker. 2. Hence, in general, the bringing about of an effect, phusical or moral, by a gradual process; controlling power quietly exerted; agency, force, or tendency of any kind which the sun exerts on animal and vegetable life; the influence of education on the mind; the influence, according to astrologers,of the stars over affairs. Astrologers call the evil influences of the stars,evil aspects. --Bacon. Cantsthou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion ? --Job xxxviii. 31. She said : [?]Ah,dearest lord ! what evil star On you hath frown'd,and poured, his influence bad ?[b8] --Spenser. 3. Power or authority arising from elevated station, excelence of character or intellect, wealth, etc.; reputation; acknowledged ascendency; as, he is a man of influence in the community. Such influence hath your excellency. --Sir P. Sidney. 4. (Elec.) Induction. Syn: Control; persuasion; ascendency; sway; power; authority; supremacy; mastery; management; restraint; character; reputation; prestige. |