verb [V]
1 ~ (in / among sth) (written) to exist or be very common at a particular time or in a particular place:
We were horrified at the conditions prevailing in local prisons. * Those beliefs still prevail among certain social groups.
2 ~ (against / over sth) (formal) (of ideas, opinions, etc.) to be accepted, especially after a struggle or an argument:
Justice will prevail over tyranny. * Fortunately, common sense prevailed.
3 [V] ~ (against / over sb) (formal) to defeat an opponent, especially after a long struggle
PHRASALVERBS
prevail on / upon sb to do sth (formal) to persuade sb to do sth:
I'm sure he could be prevailed upon to give a talk.
