1. To incline, bend, or veer to some particular side or direction. The ball swayed to the right as it traveled through the air. The physiotherapist said my left foot sways to the side while I run, which is probably what's causing the pain in my ankle.

2. To move, swing, bend, etc., in time with some rhythm or melody. The crowd just silently swayed to the singer's crooning voice. I felt myself swaying to the beating drums.

3. To convince, persuade, or influence someone to do, believe, or accept something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "sway" and "to." Against all odds, she somehow managed to sway the board to accept her proposal. I'll try to sway the district attorney to drop the charges.

4. To convince, persuade, or influence someone to adopt or embrace some position. No amount of flattery is going to sway my father to your side on this issue. You're not going to sway me to your point of view, Tom. I've already made up my mind.