influence

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [U,C] ~ (on / upon sb/sth) the effect that sb/sth has on the way a person thinks or behaves or on the way that sth works or develops: to have / exert a strong influence on sb * the influence of the climate on agricultural production * What exactly is the influence of television on children? 2 [U] ~ (over sb/sth) the power that sb/sth has to make sb/sth behave in a particular way: Her parents no longer have any real influence over her. * She could probably exert her influence with the manager and get you a job. * He committed the crime under the influence of drugs. 3 [C] ~ (on sb/sth) somebody or something that affects the way a person behaves and thinks: cultural / environmental influences * Those friends are a bad influence on her. * His first music teacher was a major influence in his life. * There seem to be several influences at work in (= affecting) his writing. IDIOMS under the influence having had too much alcohol to drink: She was charged with driving under the influence. verb 1 to have an effect on the way that sb behaves or thinks, especially by giving them an example to follow: [VN] His writings have influenced the lives of millions. * to be strongly / greatly / deeply influenced by sth * Don't let me influence you either way. * The government refuses to be influenced by public opinion. * Research shows that most young smokers are influenced by their friends. * I don't want to influence you. It must be your own decision. * [Vwh-] The wording of questions can influence how people answer. [also VNtoinf] 2 to have an effect on a particular situation and the way that it develops: [VN] A number of social factors influence life expectancy. * The local climate is influenced by the Gulf Stream. [also Vwh-]