Thesaurus

(n) : 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; the status of being able to dictate the actions or behaviors of an object or person; moral or political power over a person or group; ascendancy; an action exerted by a person or thing with such power on another to cause change

(v) : to affect by gentle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to persuade or induce; exert influence