hold sway over — to have controlling power or influence over someone or something
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to have controlling power or influence over someone or something
Pronunciation (IPA): /hoʊld sweɪ ˈoʊvər/
Example Sentences
- My cat seems to hold sway over our entire household - we all serve her tuna demands.
- Social media influencers hold sway over millions of young consumers.
- Coffee holds such sway over me that I can't function before my morning cup.
hold sway over
NOUN[/hoʊld sweɪ ˈoʊvər/]
to have controlling power or influence over someone or something
The ancient oracle continues to hold sway over the entire kingdom's decisions.
He holds sway over their way, day by day.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase 'hold sway over' developed in Middle English from the verb 'sway,' which originally meant 'to swing or move back and forth.' The sense of 'to rule or govern' evolved metaphorically from the image of a monarch wielding a scepter, the physical gesture of power becoming associated with the exercise of authority and dominion.
Breakdown
hold (to grasp or maintain) + sway (to wield; to exercise power or influence) + over (upon; across). The central verb 'sway' derives from Old Norse 'sveigja' (to bend or swing), with the governing sense developing from the symbolic act of swinging a royal scepter.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat seems to hold sway over our entire household - we all serve her tuna demands.”
“Social media influencers hold sway over millions of young consumers.”
“Coffee holds such sway over me that I can't function before my morning cup.”
“Traditional values still hold sway in many rural communities.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.