[Grammar] a simple sentence

[newid]

While checking a Word in dictionary, I found a sentence which I can't understand completely.
Here it is:
dissuade v. To change the purpose or alter the plans of by persuasion, counsel, or pleading.

My question is the 'of' here. Could you explain it for me~~
Thanks in advance

P.S "the sentence which I can't understand completely" I wrote above means I know most but not all. Is this sentence right? or it may imply I can't understand at all? How should I say if it is not right~~

 

[Gnome]

Hello, I'm not a teacher, but I hope that my advice can help you!

dissuade v. To change the purpose /// or alter the plans of /// by persuasion, counsel, or pleading.

I took the passage apart, so it's easier to understand. I hope that helps.

 

[newid]

Hello, I'm not a teacher, but I hope that my advice can help you!

dissuade v. To change the purpose /// or alter the plans of /// by persuasion, counsel, or pleading.

I took the passage apart, so it's easier to understand. I hope that helps.

Thanks
but there is nothing after of, I can't understand that.

 

[Gnome]

Thanks
but there is nothing after of, I can't understand that.

*I'm not a teacher.*

I believe the authors left the object of the preposition blank on purpose to show that there's a variable (example, I'm from the land of ___). The definition isn't really a sentence, so common grammar rules do not apply.

 

[kfredson]

Thanks
but there is nothing after of, I can't understand that.

I believe our friend Gnome has explained it well. To make it still clearer, consider it in the following way:

To change [STRIKE]the[/STRIKE] someone's purpose or alter the plans of someone by persuasion, counsel, or pleading.

Personally I don't feel it was written very clearly. At first I thought that "of" was a typo, until Gnome explained it.