What does "prevail" mean?

Prevail: So David prevailed over the Philistine. 1 Sam. xvii.

Additional senses

  1. 2.This kingdom could never prevail against the united power of England. Swift.
  2. 3.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. 4.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.

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