imperar

to prevail

verb eem-peh-RAHR Rare

Origin: From Latin imperare (to command).

Also means

to hold sway

Usage Note

Imperar describes an idea, condition, or force that dominates or prevails in a situation — impera el caos (chaos reigns), impera la ley del más fuerte. It is more formal and literary than dominar or reinar. Note that imperar does not have the personal connotation of a ruler giving commands; for that, use mandar or gobernar.

Examples

"En esa región imperaba la ley del silencio."

Natural Translation

The law of silence prevailed in that region.

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