Play upon Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Leverage Used to describe actions exploiting people's emotions or weaknesses strategically. Politicians often play upon public fears during election campaigns. Pro Tip 2/3Persuasion Context Common in situations where someone is trying to persuade or influence others. The lawyer played upon the jury's sympathy to win the case. Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Influence The influence is often subtle and indirect, not obvious manipulation. Advertisers play upon our desire for status to sell luxury goods.