Persuasion — Defs

01 n. The act of persuading; the act of influencing the mind by arguments or reasons offered, or by anything that moves the mind or passions, or …

1.
The act of persuading; the act of influencing the mind by arguments or reasons offered, or by anything that moves the mind or passions, or inclines the will to a determination.
“For thou hast all the arts of fine persuasion.” — Otway.
2.
The state of being persuaded or convinced; settled opinion or conviction, which has been induced.
“If the general persuasion of all men does so account it.” — Hooker.

“My firm persuasion is, at least sometimes, That Heaven will weigh man's virtues and his crimes With nice attention.” — Cowper.
3.
A creed or belief; a sect or party adhering to a certain creed or system of opinions; as, of the same persuasion; all persuasions are agreed.
“Of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political.” — Jefferson.
4.
The power or quality of persuading; persuasiveness.
“Is 't possible that my deserts to you Can lack persuasion?” — Shak.
5.
That which persuades; a persuasive.[R.]

Syn. See Conviction.