prevail

Verb
Synonyms: predominatedominaterulereignholdobtainpersistdie hardrunenduretriumph

WordNet 3.0

Verb (5)

  1. be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance“Money reigns supreme here”“Hispanics predominate in this neighborhood”Synonyms: predominatedominaterulereign
  2. be valid, applicable, or true“This theory still holds”Synonyms: holdobtain
  3. continue to exist“These stories die hard”“The legend of Elvis endures”Synonyms: persistdie hardrunendure
  4. prove superior“The champion prevailed, though it was a hard fight”Synonyms: triumph
  5. use persuasion successfully“He prevailed upon her to visit his parents”
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Webster's Dictionary (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]
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