swaying

Verb

sway (third-person singular simple present sways, present participle swaying, simple past and past participle swayed)

1. (intransitive) To move or swing from side to side; or backward and forward; to rock.
   • sway to the music
2. (transitive) To move or wield with the hand; to swing; to wield.
   • to sway the sceptre
3. (transitive) To influence or direct by power, authority, persuasion, or by moral force; to rule; to govern; to guide. Compare persuade.
   • Do you think you can sway their decision?
4. (transitive) To cause to incline or swing to one side, or backward and forward; to bias; to turn; to bend; to warp.
   • reeds swayed by the wind
5. (transitive) To hoist (a mast or yard) into position.
   • to sway up the yards
6. To be drawn to one side by weight or influence; to lean; to incline.
   • euen in these Personall Respects, the Ballance swayes on our part: […]a. 1627 (date written), Francis [Bacon], “Considerations Touching a Warre with Spaine. […]”, in William Rawley, editor, Certaine Miscellany Works of the Right Honourable Francis Lo. Verulam, Viscount...

See all 17 meanings of sway