What does sway mean?
Sway is a versatile word with both physical and figurative meanings. As a verb, it can describe something moving or leaning gradually, as when branches sway in the wind, and it can also describe the power to influence or persuade people, as when evidence sways a jury or a speaker sways public opinion. The figurative use often suggests that someone's judgement or attitude is gradually altered by an argument, emotion, or powerful appeal. As a noun, sway means influence, authority, or control: a person may hold sway over an institution or come under the sway of a charismatic leader. It can also refer more generally to a swaying movement. The word is common in formal and informal English, although the physical sense often carries a gentle, rhythmic quality, while the persuasive sense can suggest powerful or potentially destabilizing influence.
To influence or persuade someone, especially by argument, emotion, or appeal.
"The prosecutor's evidence swayed the jury."
Common with audience, jury, opinion, decision, and similar terms.
To move, bend, or lean gradually from an upright or fixed position.
"The wheat swayed in the wind."
Often describes gentle or repeated movement, such as vegetation, branches, or a hanging object.
The power or influence to shape behaviour, conduct, or opinions.
"The ruler held sway over the northern provinces for more than a decade."
Common in the expressions hold sway and come under the sway of.
The act or state of moving or leaning gradually.
"The gentle sway of the boat made her feel seasick."
More often used with a modifier, such as gentle or slight sway, than as a count noun.
The plural is used for distinct acts, movements, or instances of influence; the noun is also commonly uncountable when it refers to power or control.
"The young minister's different sways of influence were difficult to distinguish."
From swaying public opinion to grass moving in the wind, sway captures the power of gradual movement and influence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sway come from?
The word sway is recorded in Middle English and is used both for physical movement and for influence over people. Its precise origin is uncertain, although it developed alongside related forms in Germanic languages. Modern senses preserve the older contrast between being moved, bent, or displaced and exercising a similar force over other people.
Related word forms
How sway is actually used
In its persuasive sense, sway is often used with people, opinions, judgments, or decisions: it can sway an audience, sway public opinion, or sway a jury. In the physical sense, it describes a gradual, often repeated movement rather than a sudden turn. As a noun, hold sway suggests continuing power or influence, while come under the sway of implies becoming subject to someone's influence.
Easily confused with sway
Sway can mean to influence or control someone, as well as to move or lean gradually, whereas swerve specifically means to turn suddenly aside from a path or course.