sway
UK: sweɪ | US: sweɪ
v. to move slowly or rhythmically back and forth
v. to influence or control someone’s opinion or actions
n. a swinging or rocking movement
n. controlling influence or power
sway = sw<swing> + ay<state/action>
- sw (from Old English swāgan, meaning "to swing, move back and forth")
- ay (a suffix indicating a state or action, common in Middle English)
Etymology Origin:
The word "sway" originated in Middle English from Old Norse sveigja ("to bend, swing") and Old English swāgan. It originally described physical movement, like the swaying of trees or a person’s gait. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to denote influence or control, reflecting how persuasion can "move" someone’s thoughts.
The branches sway gently in the breeze.
Her speech swayed the audience to support the cause.
He struggled to resist the sway of peer pressure.
The boat began to sway as the waves grew stronger.
Political leaders often sway public opinion with persuasive rhetoric.