'prevail' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praevalere,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'valere' meant 'to be strong.'

'praevalere' transformed into the Old French word 'prevaloir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'prevail' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to be strong before others,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to be widespread or to prove superior.'