prevail
v.-
1 to triumph (v.) C1 Advanced Formalto win or be successful after a long struggle or difficult situation.
to prove superior in strength, power, or influence; to triumph over opposition.
ExampleAfter a long and difficult court case, justice finally prevailed.
ExampleDespite the initial setbacks and the overwhelming odds against them, the small rebel force managed to prevail over the occupying army.
UsageOften used with the preposition 'over'.
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2 to be widespread (v.) C1 Advanced Academic Formalto be common or exist generally in a particular place or at a particular time.
to be current, widespread, or predominant within a specific context or geographical area.
ExampleA sense of sadness prevailed throughout the small town after the factory closed.
ExampleThe harsh economic conditions that prevailed during the late nineteenth century forced many families to emigrate in search of better opportunities.
UsageTypically used in the present tense to describe customs, conditions, or weather patterns.
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3 to persuade (v.) C2 Proficiency Formal Literaryto successfully persuade someone to do something.
to succeed in persuading or inducing someone to act in a certain way.
ExampleWe finally prevailed upon him to join us for dinner.
ExampleAfter hours of intense negotiation, the mediators finally prevailed upon the union leaders to accept the revised contract terms.
UsageAlmost always used with the preposition 'upon' or 'on'.
From Middle English prevailen, from Old French prevaler, from Latin praevaleō (“be very able or more able, be superior, prevail”), from prae (“before”) + valeō (“be able or powerful”). Displaced native Old English rīcsian.