prevail

Prevail is to be widespread or victorious.

(verb)

When there is a general atmosphere of sadness in a town, this is an example of when sadness prevails.
When a politician wins an election, this is an example of when heprevails over his opponent.

See prevail in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb

to gain the advantage or mastery; be victorious; triumph: often with over or against
to produce or achieve the desired effect; be effective; succeed
to be or become stronger or more widespread; predominate
to exist widely; be prevalent

Origin: ME prevaylen < L praevalere < prae-, before (see pre-) + valere, to be strong: see value

See prevail in American Heritage Dictionary 4

intransitive verb pre·vailed, pre·vail·ing, pre·vails

To be greater in strength or influence; triumph: prevailed against the enemy.
To be or become effective; win out: hoped justice would prevail.
To be most common or frequent; be predominant: a region where snow and ice prevail.
To be in force, use, or effect; be current: an ancient tradition that still prevails.
To use persuasion or inducement successfully. Often used with on, upon, or with. See Synonyms at persuade.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English prevailen

Origin: , from Old French prevaloir, prevaill-

Origin: , from Latin praevalēre, to be stronger

Origin: : prae-, pre-

Origin: + valēre, to be strong; see wal- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: