1. To incline, bend, or veer toward someone or something or in some particular direction. The huge tree swayed toward the house in the gale force winds. I watched the car ahead of me sway toward the curb.

2. To become inclined to do something, especially as a change or in contrast to a previous decision or inclination. Typically followed by a continuous verb. We are swaying toward withdrawing our company from the summit. He briefly swayed toward moving back home with his parents to save some money, but he decided in the end that he couldn't bear to do it.

3. To become inclined to adopt, embrace, or decide on something. Public opinion has swayed toward the controversial figure in recent months. I'm still not sure where I want to go for my vacation, but I am swaying toward Hawaii.

4. To convince, persuade, or influence someone to do something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "sway" and "to." Typically followed by a continuous verb. Against all odds, she somehow managed to sway the board toward accepting her proposal. I'll try to sway the district attorney toward dropping the charges.

5. To convince, persuade, or influence someone to adopt, embrace some position. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "sway" and "to." No amount of flattery is going to sway my father toward your side on this issue. There are some people whom you'll never sway toward the truth. They are just too committed to their worldview to allow it to be challenged.