An influence or power that makes someone do what they wouldn't normally do can make them sway.
When we talk about someone swaying, we usually mean that they are being persuaded to think or act a certain way. This could happen because of words from another person - like a salesperson trying to get you to buy something. It's like the other person has some power over your thoughts and feelings, making you lean in one direction rather than another. Imagine a tree swaying gently in the wind - it's not being pushed or forced, but it's moving because of an outside force.
How common is "sway"?
Word sway is considered uncommon in modern English. It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.
Definitions
noun
The act of swaying; a swaying motion; a swing or sweep of a weapon.
A rocking or swinging motion.
Example: The old song caused a little sway in everyone in the room.
Influence, weight, or authority that inclines to one side
Example: I doubt I'll hold much sway with someone so powerful.
Preponderance; turn or cast of balance.
Rule; dominion; control; power.
A switch or rod used by thatchers to bind their work.
The maximum amplitude of a vehicle's lateral motion.
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verb
To move or swing from side to side; or backward and forward; to rock.
Example: sway to the music; The trees swayed in the breeze.
To move or wield with the hand; to swing; to wield.
Example: to sway the sceptre
To influence or direct by power, authority, persuasion, or by moral force; to rule; to govern; to guide. Compare persuade.
Example: Do you think you can sway their decision?
To cause to incline or swing to one side, or backward and forward; to bias; to turn; to bend; warp.
Example: reeds swayed by the wind; judgment swayed by passion
To hoist (a mast or yard) into position.
Example: to sway up the yards
To be drawn to one side by weight or influence; to lean; to incline.
