Moves slowly or rhythmically backward and forward or from side to side. Influences or persuades someone to change their opinion or decision.
From Middle English 'sweien', possibly from Old Norse 'sveigja' meaning 'to bend' or 'to turn'. The physical meaning of swaying motion extended metaphorically to mean influencing or persuading someone to 'bend' their opinion.
The connection between physical swaying and mental persuasion is beautifully captured in this word - when we 'sway' someone's opinion, we're metaphorically making their thoughts move like trees in wind. Politicians and advertisers understand this visceral connection between movement and influence.
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