prevail

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pre·vail / priˈvāl/ • v. [intr.] prove more powerful than opposing forces; be victorious: it is hard for logic to prevail over emotion. ∎  be widespread in a particular area at a particular time; be current: an atmosphere of crisis prevails | [as adj.] (prevailing) the prevailing political culture. ∎  (prevail on/upon) persuade (someone) to do something: she was prevailed upon to give an account of her work.DERIVATIVES: pre·vail·ing·ly adv.