Definition of persuades:
(v) :
(transitive) To successfully convince (someone) to agree to, accept, or do something, usually through reasoning and verbal influence.
(v) :
(transitive, now rare, regional) To urge, plead; to try to convince (someone to do something).
(v) :
(transitive, obsolete) To convince of by argument, or by reasons offered or suggested from reflection, etc.; to cause to believe (something).