prolong

verb

pro·​long prə-ˈlȯŋ 

prolonged; prolonging; prolongs

transitive verb

1

: to lengthen in time : continue

2

: to lengthen in extent, scope, or range

prolongation

(ˌ)prō-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən  prə- 

noun

prolonger

prə-ˈlȯŋ-ər 

noun

Synonyms

• drag (out)
• draw out
• elongate
• extend
• lengthen
• outstretch
• protract
• stretch

Choose the Right Synonym for prolong

extend, lengthen, prolong, protract mean to draw out or add to so as to increase in length.

extend and lengthen imply a drawing out in space or time but extend may also imply increase in width, scope, area, or range.

extend a vacation

extend welfare services

lengthen a skirt

lengthen the workweek

prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness.

protracted litigation

Examples of prolong in a Sentence

Additives are used to prolong the shelf life of packaged food.

High interest rates were prolonging the recession.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nor would officials answer questions about penalties for permit violations or prolonging the inspection process. —Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2025

Any other course would prolong the substantial, nationwide chilling effect caused by §441b’s corporate expenditure ban. —Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 24 Jan. 2025

Russia’s war against Ukraine: The president blamed high oil prices for prolonging the conflict. —Jackie Snow, Quartz, 23 Jan. 2025

But experts worry that these clinics are capitalizing on people’s fears of aging and death without offering many tangible benefits — because almost none of this is covered by insurance, or proven to prolong one’s life. —Dana G. Smith, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French prolonguer, from Late Latin prolongare, from Latin pro- forward + longus long

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

prolong

verb

pro·​long prə-ˈlȯŋ 

: to make longer in time

prolonged the visit