prevail

UK: /prɪˈveɪl/ US: /prɪˈveɪl/ ,(pri vāl′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

pre•vail /prɪˈveɪl/   v. 

1. to be widespread or current;
   be found in many places:
   [not: be + ~-ing* no object] The opinion that he is a loser still prevails.
2. to be or prove superior in strength, power, or influence: [no object]
   Greed has prevailed once again.
   [~ + over]
   to prevail over one's enemies.
3. to persuade successfully:
   [~ + on/upon + object] Can you prevail on him to go?

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pre•vail  (pri vāl′), v.i. 

1. to be widespread or current;
   exist everywhere or generally:
   Silence prevailed along the funeral route.
2. to appear or occur as the more important or frequent feature or element;
   predominate:
   Green tints prevail in the upholstery.
3. to be or prove superior in strength, power, or influence (usually fol. by over):
   They prevailed over their enemies in the battle.
4. to succeed;
   become dominant;
   win out:
   to wish that the right side might prevail.
5. to use persuasion or inducement successfully:
   He prevailed upon us to accompany him.

• Latin praevalēre to be more able, equivalent. to prae- pre- + valēre to be strong; see prevalent
• Middle English prevayllen to grow very strong 1350–1400

pre•vail′er, n. 
Synonyms

• 2. preponderate.
• 3. overcome.

Antonyms

• 3. lose.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

prevail / prɪˈveɪl/ verb (intransitive)

1. often followed by over or against: to prove superior; gain mastery: skill will prevail
2. to be or appear as the most important feature; be prevalent
3. to exist widely; be in force
4. often followed by on or upon: to succeed in persuading or inducing

Etymology: 14th Century: from Latin praevalēre to be superior in strength, from prae beyond + valēre to be strong

preˈvailer noun