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

So can medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension and lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, nutritional deficiencies, smoking and prolonged steroid use. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025

But as captivating as the cast and the show’s examination of girlhood trauma can be, leading your characters in circles to prolong a narrative endpoint feels borderline disrespectful to your audience. —Abby Monteil, Them, 13 Mar. 2025

Eating to avoid potential withdrawal symptoms is common and prolongs the food addiction. —Michael MacIntyre, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025

Their mission, initially slated for six months, was prolonged due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which had been intended for their return. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 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

Rhymes for prolong

• agung
• along
• belong
• birdsong
• furlong
• headlong
• headstrong
• lifelong
• plainsong
• sarong
• tanjong
• weeklong

Kids Definition

prolong

verb

pro·​long prə-ˈlȯŋ 

: to make longer in time

prolonged the visit