1. noun /ˈɪn.flu.əns/
a) The power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions.
I have absolutely no influence over him.
b) An action exerted by a person or thing with such power on another to cause change.
Im not able to exercise influence over him.
See Also: influencer, influent, influential, influentially, social influence, sphere of influence, under the influence
2. verb /ˈɪn.flu.əns/
a) To affect by gentle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to persuade or induce.
The politician wants to influence the public.
b) To exert, make us of ones influence.
I must admit that this book influenced my outlook on life.
Wikipedia foundation.