prevail

 
Pronunciation: /prɪˈveɪl/

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'