26984 words

sway

8 definitions • 13 examples
1
to move slowly from side to side:

Examples:

The trees were swaying in the wind.
The movement of the ship caused the mast to sway from side to side/back and forth.
A drunk was standing in the middle of the street, swaying uncertainly and trying hard to stay upright.
2
to cause something to move or change:

Examples:

3
to persuade someone to believe or do one thing rather than another:

Examples:

Her speech failed to sway her colleagues into supporting the plan.
4

Examples:

In the 1980s, the organization came under the sway of (= became strongly influenced by) Christian fundamentalism.
Her parents no longer seem to have much sway over her.
The party could hold sway (= have an important influence) on some crucial votes.
5
to move slowly from side to side:

Examples:

The trees sway in the wind.
6
to persuade someone to believe or to do something:

Examples:

Were you swayed by her arguments?
7
a slow movement from side to side:

Examples:

The car showed lots of sway in crosswinds.
8
the ability to persuade:

Examples:

As a young musician, he fell under the sway of Louis Armstrong.
Large corporations hold sway with Congress.

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