sway
Cross references:
1. affect 2. swing 3. power
1. sway \'swa-\ vb [alter. of earlier swey to fall, swoon, fr. ME sweyen,
prob. of Sca]nd origin; akin to ON sveigja to sway; akin to OE swathian to
swathe 1a: to swing slowly and rhythmically back and forth from a base or
pivot 1b: to move gently from an upright to a leaning position 2: to hold
sway : act as ruler or governor 3: to fluctuate or veer between one point,
position, or opinion and anothe r 1a: to cause to sway : set to swinging,
rocking, or oscillating 1b: to cause to bend downward to one side 1c: to
cause to turn aside : DEFLECT, DIVERT archaic 2a: WIELD 2b: GOVERN, RULE
3a: to cause to vacillate 3b: to exert a guiding or controlling influence
upon 4: to hoist in place {~ up a mast} - sway.er n
2. sway n 1: the action or an instance of swaying or of being swayed : an
oscillati ng, fluctuating, or sweeping motion 2: an inclination or
deflection caused by or as if by swaying 3a: a preponderating force or
pressure : a controlling influence 3b: sovereign power : DOMINION 3c: the
ability to exercise influence or authority : DOMINANCE