sway etymology

Etymology

The word "sway" has Old Norse origins and is related to the Old Norse word "sveigia", meaning "to bend" or "to swing".

Meaning

• Verb:
  • To move gently from side to side or back and forth.
  • To sway someone's opinion or behavior.
  • To hold sway or influence over something or someone.
• Noun:
  • The act of swaying.
  • The power or influence that someone has.

Origin

The word "sway" is believed to have entered the English language in the 12th century from Old Norse. It was initially used to describe the movement of objects or the swaying of people. Over time, its meaning expanded to include influencing someone's opinion or behavior and holding power or influence.

Examples

• The wind swayed the branches of the trees.
• He swayed the jury with his eloquent speech.
• The company holds sway over the entire industry.

sway relate terms

• swag

  Etymology The word swag derives from the Middle English word swagger which was used

• swing

  Etymology The word swing has its origins in the Old Norse word svifta which means

• swing

  Etymology The word swing has its origins in the Old Norse word svifta which means

• swinging

  Etymology The word swing has multiple origins Old Norse svinga meaning to sway

• rock

  Etymology The word rock originates from the Old English word rocc which meant a la

• shake

  Etymology Middle English shaken from Old English sceacan to move to and fro violentl

• rock

  Etymology The word rock originates from the Old English word rocc which meant a la

• reel

  Etymology The word reel has several etymological origins Old French rier to lau

• potentate

  Etymology The word potentate comes from the Late Latin potentas meaning powerful

• Rasputin

  Etymology and Meaning The name Rasputin is derived from the Russian word rasputnik w

• Dietrich

  Etymology and Origin of Dietrich Meaning Ruler of the people or ruler of the tribe

• influence

  Etymology Middle English influence from Old French influence from Late Latin influ

• lurch

  Etymology Late 18th century probably related to lurch a nautical term from the 16th c