What is the Latin word for sway?

The usual Latin words for “sway” are imperium, dominātiō, vacillātiō; also moveō. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

English → Latin

“sway” in Latin

imperiumThe empire, state, imperial government, realm, dominion.; The right or power to command or be in control; dominion.; Abs dominātiōrule, dominion; mastery, power; domination vacillātiōrocking to and fro moveōto move, stir, set in motion; to disturb, shake, remove; to arouse, excite, promote, produce

Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864

sway s.

Power, imperium: dominatio.

Motion to and fro, vacillatio: motus.

Quick answer

What is the Latin word for sway?: The usual Latin words for “sway” are imperium, dominātiō, vacillātiō; also moveō. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.