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

He used family influence to get the contract.

the action or process of producing effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others

Her mother's influence made her stay.

a person or thing that exerts influence

He is an influence for the good.

Astrology .

the radiation of an ethereal fluid from the stars, regarded as affecting human actions and destinies.

the exercise of occult power by the stars, or such power as exercised.

the exercise of similar power by human beings.

Obsolete . influx.

to exercise influence on; affect; sway

to influence a person.

to move or impel (a person) to some action

Outside factors influenced her to resign.

under the influence

Law . less than drunk but with one's nervous system impaired

He was driving while under the influence. Also, under the influence of intoxicating liquor.

noun

impotence , incapacity , inferiority , powerlessness , weakness

noun

access , agency , ascendancy , character , clout , command , connections , consequence , control , credit , direction , domination , dominion , drag , effect , esteem , fame , fix , force , grease * , guidance , hold , impact , importance , imprint , in , juice * , leadership , leverage , magnetism , mark , moment , money , monopoly , network , notoriety , predominance , prerogative , pressure , prestige , prominence , pull , repercussion , reputation , ropes , rule , significance , spell , supremacy , sway , weight * , effectiveness , effectuality , effectualness , efficaciousness , efficacy , efficiency , potency , weight , impression , afflatus , ascendency , authority , charisma , dominance , drive , impulsion , incentive , incitement , manipulation , miasma , patronage , persuasion , predomination , preeminence , puissance , restraint , sanction , stimulus , vector

verb

act upon , affect , alter , argue into , arouse , be recognized , bias , brainwash * , bribe , bring to bear , carry weight , change , channel , compel , control , count , determine , direct , dispose , form , get at * , guide , have a part in , impact on , impel , impress , incite , incline , induce , instigate , manipulate , modify , mold , move , persuade , predispose , prejudice , prevail , prompt , pull strings , regulate , rouse , rule , seduce , sell , shape , snow * , sway , talk into , train , turn , urge , work upon , actuate , ascendancy , aspect , attract , authority , brainwash , clout , command , connections , effect , fame , force , govern , gravity , hold , impregnate , indoctrinate , inducement , infuse , inspire , lead , leverage , lobby , magnetism , mastery , militate , money , motive , power , predominate , pressure , prestige , prevail upon , prominence , pull , weight