資料來源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Prevail \Pre*vail"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Prevailed}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Prevailing}.] [F. pr['e]valoir, OF. prevaleir, L.
   praevalere; prae before + valere to be strong, able, or
   worth. See {Valiant}.]
   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.

   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.

   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.