Verb

ein|wirken

Translation

to influence, to affect, to have an effect on

Lassen Sie das Mittel 10 Minuten einwirken.

Let the agent take effect for 10 minutes.

Er versuchte, auf die Entscheidung einzuwirken.

He tried to influence the decision.

auf+4 to have an effect on sth./sb. He tried to have an effect on the outcome.

Synonyms: beeinflussen (to influence), einfließen (to flow into, to incorporate)

From 'ein-' (in, on) and 'wirken' (to work, to act). The literal meaning is 'to work on' or 'to act upon'.

Think of a force 'working' its way 'into' something to change it, like a chemical 'acting upon' a substance.