prevail

Universal Words 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.