einwirken

to exert influence on, act upon

verb INE-vir-ken Rare

Usage Note

Einwirken describes the effect of speech or argument on a listener; auf jemanden einwirken means to bring influence to bear on someone, often through persuasion. It implies a deliberate effort to change someone's thinking.

Examples

"Sie versuchte durch sanfte Worte auf ihn einzuwirken."

Natural Translation

She tried to exert influence on him through gentle words.

Literal Translation

She tried through gentle words on him to act-upon.

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