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.

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.

Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?

She said : "Ah, dearest lord! what evil star
On you hath frown'd, and poured, his influence bad?"

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.

4. (Elec.) Induction.

Syn. -- Control; persuasion; ascendency; sway; power; authority; supremacy; mastery; management; restraint; character; reputation; prestige.

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.

This standing revelation . . . is sufficient to influence their faith and practice, if they attend.

The principle which influenced their obedience has lost its efficacy.

• 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; the status of being able to dictate the actions or behaviors of an object or person; moral or political power over a person or group; ascendancy.
       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.
  
• (astrology) An element believed by some to determine someone's character or individual tendencies, caused by the position of the stars and planets at the time of one's birth.
  
• (obsolete) The action of flowing in; influx.
  
• (electricity) Induction.
  
• (transitive) To affect by gentle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to persuade or induce.
  
• (intransitive) Exert influence.
  
• (transitive) (obsolete) Cause to flow in; infuse; instil.
  
  French
• Influence.