<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>The capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others: <em>He used family influence to get the contract.</em></li><li>The action or process of producing effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others: <em>Her mother's influence made her stay.</em></li><li>A person or thing that exerts influence: <em>He is an influence for the good.</em></li><li>Astrology: The radiation of an ethereal fluid from the stars, regarded as affecting human actions and destinies.</li><li>The exercise of occult power by the stars, or such power as exercised.</li><li>The exercise of similar power by human beings.</li><li>Obsolete: Influx.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>To exercise influence on; affect; sway: <em>to influence a person.</em></li><li>Synonyms: move, impress, control, direct, bias.</li><li>To move or impel (a person) to some action: <em>Outside factors influenced her to resign.</em></li><li>Synonyms: persuade, induce, arouse, rouse, incite, instigate.</li></ul>