v.
Pronunciation: pri- ' v ā l
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin praeval ē re, from prae- pre- + val ē re 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 < prevail ed 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 prevail s >