transitive. To exercise sway or influence over; to provide guidance or direction to. Now rare except as merged with senses 4a and 4b.

transitive. Of an idea, emotion, personal attribute, etc.: to act as the dominant or principal influence on (a person or his or her actions); to…

transitive. spec. Of a destructive or undesirable quality: to dominate or control (a person's mind or conduct). Obsolete. rare.

To overcome or subdue, as if by magic power; to calm, soothe, allay, assuage. †to charm the tongue: (formerly a very common phrase for) to keep it…

transitive. figurative. To rule, guide, or govern. Now rare.

transitive. To take precedence over by virtue of superior authority; to overrule, countermand (an order, ruling, action, etc.). Also intransitive.

intransitive. Of a thing (or a group of people regarded as a phenomenon): to hold a position of unchallenged dominance or superiority. Frequently in t…