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.
These experiments 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.
In"flu*ence (&ibreve;n"fl&usl;*ens), 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, physical or moral, by a gradual process; controlling power quietly exerted; agency, force, or tendency of any kind which affects, modifies, or sways;
as, the influence 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. Canst thou 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?"
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.
Hear it pronounced