Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN'FLU-ENCE, v.t.

1. To move by physical power operating by unseen laws or force; to affect. 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. Newton.
2. To move by moral power; to act on and affect, as the mind or will, in persuading or dissuading; to induce. Men are influenced by motives of interest or pleasure. An orator may influence the people to take arms, or to abandon an enterprise.
3. To move, as the passions; as, to influence one by pity.
4. To lead or direct. This revelation is sufficient to influence our faith and practice.