influence

(noun): The power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions.
(noun): An action exerted by a person or thing with such power on another to cause change.
(noun): A person or thing exerting such power or action.
(noun): An element believed to determine someone's character or individual tendencies, caused by the position of the stars and planets at the time of one's birth.
(noun): The action of flowing in; influx.
(noun): Electrostatic induction.
(verb): To have an effect on by using gentle or subtle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to persuade or induce.
(verb): To exert, make use of one's influence.
(verb): To cause to flow in or into; infuse; instill.