Influence, 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.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Influence, n.
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 : 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.
Shades of meaning
To influence (L. in, in or into, and fluo, flow) is to affect, modify, or act upon by physical, mental, or moral power, especially in some gentle, subtle, and gradual way; as, vegetation is influenced by light; every one is influenced to some extent by public opinion; influence is chiefly used of power acting from without, tho it may be used of motives regarded as forces acting upon the will. Actuate refers solely to mental or moral power impelling one from within. One may influence, but can not directly actuate another; but one may be actuated to cruelty by hatred which another's misrepresentation has aroused. Prompt and stir are words of mere suggestion toward some course of action; dispose, draw, incline, influence, and lead refer to the use of mild means to awaken in another a purpose or disposition to act. To excite is to arouse one from lethargy or indifference to action. Incite and instigate, to spur or goad one to action, differ in the fact that incite may be to good, while instigate is always to evil (compare abet). To urge and impel signify to produce strong excitation toward some act. We are urged from without, impelled from within. Drive and compel imply irresistible influence accomplishing its object. One may be driven either by his own passions or by external force or urgency; one is compelled only by some external power; as, the owner was compelled by his misfortunes to sell his estate. Compare compel; drive.
Prepositions
Actuated to crime by revenge.