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>