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prevail

Pronunciation: /prɪˈveɪl/
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Definition of prevail

verb

[no object]
  • 1prove more powerful or superior:it is hard for logic to prevail over emotion
  • be widespread or current in a particular area or at a particular time:a friendly atmosphere prevailed among the crowds
  • 2 (prevail on/upon) persuade (someone) to do something:she was prevailed upon to give an account of her work

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin praevalere 'have greater power', from prae 'before' + valere 'have power'

prevail in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of prevail in the US English dictionary

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