sway
- 1) verb, to swing or cause to swing to and fro
- 2) verb, to lean or incline or cause to lean or incline to one side or in different directions in turn
- 3) verb, to vacillate or cause to vacillate between two or more opinions
- 4) verb, to be influenced or swerve or influence or cause to swerve to or from a purpose or opinion
- 5) verb, nautical to hoist (a yard, mast, or other spar)
- 6) verb, to rule or wield power (over)
- 7) verb, to wield (a weapon)
- 8) noun, control; power
- 9) noun, a swinging or leaning movement
- 10) noun, dominion; governing authority
- 11) noun, hold sway to be master; reign
Etymology
C16: probably from Old Norse sveigja to bend; related to Dutch zwaaien, Low German swājen
Collins English Electronic Dictionary - Digital Edition: 2008 © HarperCollins Publishers 2008
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Synonyms
control, control, power, influence, government, rule, authority, command, sovereignty, jurisdiction, clout (informal), dominion, ascendancy, rock, wave, roll, swing, bend, lean, incline, lurch, oscillate, influence, direct, affect, guide, dominate, persuade, govern, win over, induce, hold sway prevail, rule, predominate, reign