sway
noun/sweɪ/
/sweɪ/
[uncountable]- movement from side to side
- The sway of the yacht was making her feel sick.
- (literary) power or influence over somebody
- Rebel forces hold sway over much of the island.
- She was brought up under the sway of Communism.
- He was quick to exploit those who fell under his sway.
- Traditional attitudes still hold sway in the region.
Word OriginMiddle English: corresponding in sense to Low German swājen ‘be blown to and fro’ and Dutch zwaaien ‘swing, walk totteringly’.
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sway