Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Persuasion \Per*sua"sion\, n. [L. persuasio; Cf. F. persuasion.]
   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}.

Source : WordNet®

persuasion
     n 1: the act of persuading (or attempting to persuade);
          communication intended to induce belief or action [syn:
          {suasion}]
     2: a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof
        or certainty; "my opinion differs from yours"; "what are
        your thoughts on Haiti?" [syn: {opinion}, {sentiment}, {view},
         {thought}]
     3: inducement to act by argument or reasoning or entreaty [ant:
         {dissuasion}]