sway

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: rockcareentiltshakeswingcarrypersuade

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. controlling influence
  2. pitching dangerously to one sideSynonyms: rockcareentilt

Verb (4)

  1. move back and forth or sideways“the ship was rocking”“the tall building swayed”“She rocked back and forth on her feet”Synonyms: rockshake
  2. move or walk in a swinging or swaying manner“He swung back”Synonyms: swing
  3. win approval or support for“Carry all before one”“His speech did not sway the voters”Synonyms: carrypersuade
  4. cause to move back and forth“rock the cradle”“rock the baby”“the wind swayed the trees gently”Synonyms: rock
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Sway \Sway\ (sw[=a]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Swayed; p. pr. & vb. n. Swaying.] [OE. sweyen, Icel. sveigja, akin to E. swing; cf. D. zwaaijen to wield, swing. See Swing, and cf. Swag, v. i.]

1.To move or wield with the hand; to swing; to wield; as, to sway the scepter. [1913 Webster]

As sparkles from the anvil rise, When heavy hammers on the wedge are swayed.— Spenser.[1913 Webster]

2.To influence or direct by power and authority; by persuasion, or by moral force; to rule; to govern; to guide. [1913 Webster]

The will of man is by his reason swayed.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
She could not sway her house.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
This was the race To sway the world, and land and sea subdue.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

3.To cause to incline or swing to one side, or backward and forward; to bias; to turn; to bend; warp; as, reeds swayed by wind; judgment swayed by passion. [1913 Webster]

As bowls run true by being made On purpose false, and to be swayed.— Hudibras.[1913 Webster]
Let not temporal and little advantages sway you against a more durable interest.— Tillotson.[1913 Webster]

4.(Naut.) To hoist; as, to sway up the yards. [1913 Webster]

Syn: To bias; rule; govern; direct; influence; swing; move; wave; wield. [1913 Webster]

Sway \Sway\ (sw[=a]), v. i.

1.To be drawn to one side by weight or influence; to lean; to incline. [1913 Webster]

The balance sways on our part.— Bacon.[1913 Webster]

2.To move or swing from side to side; or backward and forward. [1913 Webster]

3.To have weight or influence. [1913 Webster]

The example of sundry churches . . . doth sway much.— Hooker.[1913 Webster]

4.To bear sway; to rule; to govern. [1913 Webster]

Hadst thou swayed as kings should do.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
Sway \Sway\, n.

1.The act of swaying; a swaying motion; the swing or sweep of a weapon. [1913 Webster]

With huge two-handed sway brandished aloft.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

2.Influence, weight, or authority that inclines to one side; as, the sway of desires. --A. Tucker. [1913 Webster]

3.Preponderance; turn or cast of balance. [1913 Webster]

Expert When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway Of battle.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

4.Rule; dominion; control. --Cowper. [1913 Webster]

When vice prevails, and impious men bear sway, The post of honor is a private station.— Addison.[1913 Webster]

5.A switch or rod used by thatchers to bind their work. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Rule; dominion; power; empire; control; influence; direction; preponderance; ascendency. [1913 Webster]

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