Pre-vāil', v. i.
v. i. [imp. & p. p. PREVAILED; p. pr. & vb. n. PREVAILING.] [Fr. prévaloir, O. Fr. prevaleir, prevaler, Sp. prevaler, prevalecer, It. prevalere, Lat. prævalere, from præ, before, and valere, to be strong, able, or worth.]
Sense 1. To overcome; to gain the victory or superiority; to gain the advantage; to succeed; — sometimes with over or against.
When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. Ex. xvii. 11.
This kingdom could never prevail against the united power of England. Swift.
Sense 2. To be in force; to have effect, power, or influence; to be predominant; to have currency or prevalence; — often followed by with.
This custom makes the short-sighted bigots, and the warier skeptics, as far as it prevails. Locke.
Sense 3. To persuade or induce; — with on, upon, or with.
He was prevailed with to restrain the Earl of Bristol upon his first arrival. Clarendon.
Prevail upon some judicious friend to be your constant hearer, and allow him the utmost freedom. Swift.