01 v. i. To overcome; to gain the victory or superiority; to gain the advantage; to have the upper hand, or the mastery; to succeed; -- sometimes wi…
imp. & p. p.
Prevailed; p. pr. & vb. n.
Prevailing
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1.
To overcome; to gain the victory or superiority; to gain the advantage; to have the upper hand, or the mastery; to succeed; -- sometimes with over or against.“When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.” — Ex. xvii. 11.“So David prevailed over the Philistine.” — 1 Sam. xvii. 50.“This kingdom could never prevail against the united power of England.” — Swift.
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2.
To be in force; to have effect, power, or influence; to be predominant; to have currency or prevalence; to obtain; as, the practice prevails this day.“This custom makes the short-sighted bigots, and the warier skeptics, as far as it prevails.” — Locke.
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3.
To persuade or induce; -- with on, upon, or with; as, I prevailedon him to wait.“He was prevailed with to restrain the Earl.” — Clarendon.“Prevail upon some judicious friend to be your constant hearer, and allow him the utmost freedom.” — Swift.