'Prevail' definitions:

Definition of 'prevail'

From: WordNet
verb
Be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance; "Money reigns supreme here"; "Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood" [syn: predominate, dominate, rule, reign, prevail]
verb
Be valid, applicable, or true; "This theory still holds" [syn: prevail, hold, obtain]
verb
Continue to exist; "These stories die hard"; "The legend of Elvis endures" [syn: prevail, persist, die hard, run, endure]
verb
Prove superior; "The champion prevailed, though it was a hard fight" [syn: prevail, triumph]
verb
Use persuasion successfully; "He prevailed upon her to visit his parents"

Definition of 'Prevail'

From: GCIDE
  • Prevail \Pre*vail"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Prevailed; p. pr. & vb. n. Prevailing.] [F. pr['e]valoir, OF. prevaleir, L. praevalere; prae before + valere to be strong, able, or worth. See Valiant.]
  • 1. To overcome; to gain the victory or superiority; to gain the advantage; to have the upper hand, or the mastery; to succeed; -- sometimes with over or against. [1913 Webster]
  • When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. --Ex. xvii. 11. [1913 Webster]
  • So David prevailed over the Philistine. --1 Sam. xvii. 50. [1913 Webster]
  • This kingdom could never prevail against the united power of England. --Swift. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To be in force; to have effect, power, or influence; to be predominant; to have currency or prevalence; to obtain; as, the practice prevails this day. [1913 Webster]
  • This custom makes the short-sighted bigots, and the warier skeptics, as far as it prevails. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To persuade or induce; -- with on, upon, or with; as, I prevailedon him to wait. [1913 Webster]
  • He was prevailed with to restrain the Earl. --Clarendon. [1913 Webster]
  • Prevail upon some judicious friend to be your constant hearer, and allow him the utmost freedom. --Swift. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'prevail'

From: Moby Thesaurus