Main Entry: pre·vail

Pronunciation: \pri-ˈvāl\

Function: intransitive verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin praevalēre, from prae- pre- + valēre to be strong — more at wield

Date: 15th century

1 : to gain ascendancy through strength or superiority : triumph
2 : to be or become effective or effectual
3 : to use persuasion successfully <prevailed on him to sing>
4 : to be frequent : predominate <the west winds that prevail in the mountains>
5 : to be or continue in use or fashion : persist <a custom that still prevails>