persuasion

noun7

1. •
   The act of persuading, or trying to do so; the addressing of arguments to someone with the intention of changing their mind or convincing them of a certain point of view, course of action etc.

   • With the base unleashed, the White House was unable to broker a compromise, either by persuasion or by pressure. — 2006
2. •
   A strongly held conviction, opinion or belief.

   • It is his persuasion that abortion should never be condoned.
3. •
   A specified religious adherence, a creed; any school of thought or ideology.

   • As a convert from the Baptist persuasion more than 40 years ago, I still feel like an outsider in the church despite the kindness and acceptance of Catholic friends. — 2009
4. •
   (humorous) Another personal, animal or inanimate trait that is not (very) liable to be changed by persuasion, such as sex, gender, ethnicity, origin, profession or nature.

   • Let us pray that the next generation be all of the male persuasion. — 1871
5. •
   An argument or other statement intended to influence one's opinions or beliefs; a way of persuading someone.

   • Not Hermes Prolocutor to the Gods, Could vse perswasions more pathetical. — 1587
6. •
   One's ability or power to influence someone's opinions or feelings; persuasiveness.
7. •
   (euphemistic) All activity attempting to influence or control others' behavior or profession of beliefs, from convincing to threatening, assault, or battery.

   • Some of the shopowners were resistant to the extortion, so the mafia did some persuasion.