noun

influence

influence, effect, power

Social media has a big influence on young people.

Social media has a big influence on young people.

He was a good influence on his younger brother.

He was a good influence on his younger brother.

Don't let others influence your decision.

Don't let others influence your decision.

((an influence)) ((on sb./sth.)) to have an effect on someone or something Social media has a big influence on young people.

((sb./sth.)) ((to influence sb./sth.)) to affect the way someone or something develops, behaves, or thinks Don't let others influence your decision.

Synonyms: effect, impact, power, sway. Verb synonyms: affect, persuade.

From Latin 'influere' (to flow in), from 'in-' (in) + 'fluere' (to flow). Originally referred to a fluid from the stars affecting destiny.

Picture something 'flowing in' to change a situation or a person's mind. This covers both the noun and verb forms.

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