influence
n. C / Un. the power to change how someone thinks, acts, or develops. You have this when people respect your opinion and follow your lead.
n. the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something. It frequently designates a specific person or thing exercising such power.
My older brother had a big influence on my music taste.
The new manager's positive influence quickly changed the office atmosphere, making everyone feel more motivated to work together.
Although the artist denied any direct imitation, critics noted the undeniable influence of classical architecture in the sharp, geometric lines of her latest sculptures.
From Middle English influence, from Old French influence (“emanation from the stars affecting one's fate”), from Medieval Latin īnfluentia, from Latin īnfluēns (“flowing in”), present active participle of īnfluō (“flow into”), from in- (“in-”) + fluō (“flow”). Doublet of influenza.
Often followed by the prepositions 'on', 'over', or 'upon' to indicate the target of the effect.