PREVA'IL, L. proevaleo proe, before, and valeo, to be strong or well. Valeo seems to be from the same root as the Eng. well. The primary sense is to stretch or strain forward, to advance.
1. To overcome to gain the victory or superiority to gain the advantage.
When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. Exodus 17
With over or against.
David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone. 1 Samuel 17
This kingdom could never prevail against the united power of England.
2. To be in force to have effect power or influence.
This custom makes the short-sighted bigots and the warier skeptics, as far as ir prevails.
3. To be predominant to extend over with force or effect. The fever prevailed in a great part of the city.
4. To gain or have predominant influence to operate with effect. These reasons, arguments or motives ought to prevail with all candid men. In this sense, it is followed by with.
5. To persuade or induce with on or upon. They prevailed on the president to ratify the treaty. It is also followed by with. They could not prevail with the king to pardon the offender. But on is more common in modern practice.
6. To succeed. The general attempted to take the fort by assault, but did not prevail. The most powerful arguments were employed,but they did not prevail.
The King James Bible has stood its ground for nearly 400 years. However, during that time the English language has changed, and with it the meanings of some words it used. Here are more than 6,500 words whose definitions have changed since 1611.Wikipedia
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