All 5 Uses

prevail
in
Resistance to Civil Government
(Auto-generated)

I cast my vote, perchance, as I think right; but I am not vitally concerned that that right should prevail.
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prevail = win
The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.†
It is only expressing to men feebly your desire that it should prevail.†
A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance, nor wish it to prevail through the power of the majority.†
I do not hesitate to say, that those who call themselves Abolitionists should at once effectually withdraw their support, both in person and property, from the government of Massachusetts, and not wait till they constitute a majority of one, before they suffer the right to prevail through them.†

Definitions:

(1) (prevail as in: reason will prevail)
prove superior or win
(2) (prevail as in: she prevailed upon him)
use persuasion -- especially successfully

The expression "prevail upon your patience" or "prevail upon your kindness" means to appeal to the listeners patience or kindness as a method of persuasion.
(3) (prevailing as in: prevailing attitude)
most common, powerful, or influential
(4) (prevail as in: rare, but still prevails)
to be in force; or to have some power or influence
(5) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)