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sway

v. · n.
US //ˈsweɪ// UK //swˈeɪ// sway
  1. 1 to move side to side (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to move slowly and rhythmically from one side to the other.

    to move or swing rhythmically backward and forward or from side to side. Often used intransitively to describe the motion of tall structures or trees.

    Example

    The tall grass began to sway gently in the afternoon breeze.

    Example

    The skyscrapers are designed to sway slightly during high winds to prevent the structural materials from cracking under pressure.
    • stay still
  2. 2 to influence someone (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to persuade someone to change their mind or to influence a decision.

    to influence or direct a person's opinion, emotions, or actions through persuasion or authority.

    Example

    The lawyer tried to sway the jury with an emotional story.

    Example

    The marketing campaign was specifically designed to sway undecided voters in the final weeks leading up to the national election.
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  1. 3 to hoist a mast (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    to lift a heavy part of a ship, like a mast, into its place.

    to hoist a mast or yard into its proper position. Usually used with 'up'.

    Example

    The sailors worked together to sway the heavy yard into position.

    Example

    The crew prepared to sway up the topmast as soon as the vessel reached the calmer waters of the bay.

    Usage

    Often appears as the phrasal verb 'sway up'.
  2. 4 power or control (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    power, influence, or control over a person or a situation.

    controlling influence, power, or dominion. Often used in the phrase 'to hold sway'.

    Example

    For many years, the old king held sway over the entire valley.

    Example

    Traditional customs still hold sway in the rural provinces, despite the rapid modernisation occurring in the capital city.
  3. 5 a swinging movement (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a slow movement from side to side.

    a rhythmic lateral motion or the act of swinging.

    Example

    The boat had a gentle sway that made some passengers feel sleepy.

    Example

    The dancer moved with a natural sway that perfectly complemented the slow tempo of the jazz ensemble.
Origin

From earlier swey (“to fall, swoon”), from Middle English sweyen, from Old English swǣġan (“to bend, bow”), from Proto-West Germanic swaigijan, from Proto-Germanic swaigijaną, from Proto-Indo-European sweh₁- See also Saterland Frisian swooie (“to swing, wave, wobble”); also Lithuanian svai̇̃gti (“to become giddy or dizzy”), the second element of Avestan 𐬞𐬀𐬌𐬭𐬌-𐬱𐬑𐬎𐬀𐬑𐬙𐬀 (paⁱri-šxuaxta, “to surround”), Sanskrit स्वजते (svájate, “he embraces, enfolds”). The noun derived from the verb.

Idioms1 entry

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