sway

sway [swā]

vi.

[ME sweyen < ON sveigja, to turn, bend: for IE base see SWATHE¹]

1.

a) to swing or move from side to side or to and fro

b) to vacillate or alternate between one position, opinion, etc. and another

c) to lean or incline to one side; veer

d) Obs. to incline or tend in judgment or opinion

2. Old Poet. to rule; reign; hold sway

vt.

1.

a) to cause to swing or move from side to side

b) to cause to vacillate

c) to cause to lean or incline to one side

d) to cause (a person, an opinion, actions, etc.) to be inclined a certain way or be turned from a given course; influence or divert [swayed by promises]

2. Archaic

a) to wield (a scepter, etc.)

b) to rule over or control; dominate

3. Naut. to hoist (a mast, etc.) into place: usually with up

n.

1. a swaying or being swayed; movement to the side; a swinging, leaning, fluctuation, etc.

2. influence, force, or control [moved by the sway of passion]

3. sovereign power or authority; rule; dominion

SYN.- AFFECT¹, POWER, SWING

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hold sway

to reign or prevail

swayer

n.