Noun

(en noun)

A hereditary or official right or privilege.

A right, or power that is exclusive to a monarch etc, especially such a power to make a decision or judgement.

A right, generally

* 2002 , Patrick Robinson, The Shark Mutiny , page 48:

"Ah, that's your prerogative' as an Intelligence officer, Jimmy. But it's been your ' prerogative for weeks, months, and nothing has happened, as I told you "

* 2004 , Joel Osteen, Your best life now: 7 steps to living at your full potential , page 92:

If you want to wear your hair a certain way, that's your prerogative . You don't have to check with all your friends to make sure it's okay.

* 2005 , Tracy Hogg, Melinda Blau, Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate , page 56:

If you choose another approach — that's your prerogative . But the problem is that parents often don't realize they're making the choice

A property, attribute or ability which gives one a superiority or advantage over others; an inherent advantage or privilege; a talent.

Noun

The power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions.

* {{quote-magazine, date=2013-07-26, author=(Leo Hickman)

, volume=189, issue=7, page=26, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= How algorithms rule the world , passage=The use of algorithms in policing is one example of their increasing influence on our lives. And, as their ubiquity spreads, so too does the debate around whether we should allow ourselves to become so reliant on them – and who, if anyone, is policing their use.}}

An action exerted by a person or thing with such power on another to cause change.

A person or thing exerting such power or action.

* {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=May-June, author= Katrina G. Claw

, title= Rapid Evolution in Eggs and Sperm , volume=101, issue=3, magazine=(American Scientist) , passage=Many genes with reproductive roles also have antibacterial and immune functions, which indicate that the threat of microbial attack on the sperm or egg may be a major influence on rapid evolution during reproduction.}}

(astrology) An element believed to determine someone's character or individual tendencies, caused by the position of the stars and planets at the time of one's birth.

(obsolete) The action of flowing in; influx.

* Hooker

God hath his influence into the very essence of all things.

(electricity) Electrostatic induction.