This is the 8327th most frequent Japanese word.
影
"影" means "shadow" or "silhouette" in English.
Here, '影響' means 'influence,' deriving from the word '影' metaphorically denoting an impact or effect.
彼の影響力は社会全体に及んでいる。
His influence spreads throughout society.
In this case, '影' symbolizes an abstract presence or feeling, representing fear or a negative emotion.
恐怖の影が彼の心を覆っていた。
The shadow of fear was covering his heart.
In this sentence, '影' refers to a physical shadow or silhouette cast by an object when light is blocked.