lengthen

American  

[lengk-thuhn, leng-, len-] / ˈlɛŋk θən, ˈlɛŋ-, ˈlɛn- /

verb (used with object)

1. to make longer; make greater in length.

   Synonyms:

   elongate

   Antonyms:

   shorten

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verb (used without object)

1. to become greater in length; grow long or longer.

lengthen British  

/ ˈlɛŋθən, ˈlɛŋkθən /

verb

1. to make or become longer

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Related Words

Lengthen, extend, stretch, prolong, protract agree in the idea of making longer. To lengthen is to make longer, either in a material or an immaterial sense: to lengthen a dress. To extend is to lengthen beyond some original point or so as to reach a certain point: to extend a railway line by a hundred miles. To stretch is primarily to lengthen by drawing or tension: to stretch a rubber band. Both prolong and protract mean especially to lengthen in time, and therefore apply to intangibles. To prolong is to continue beyond the desired, estimated, or allotted time: to prolong an interview. To protract is to draw out to undue length or to be slow in coming to a conclusion: to protract a discussion.

Other Word Forms

• lengthener noun
• outlengthen verb (used with object)
• unlengthened adjective

Etymology

Origin of lengthen

First recorded in 1490–1500; length + -en ¹

Example Sentences

It was, in the lengthening history of allegations against the press, a bombshell.

From BBC

These are transactions that enable managers to lengthen the time they can hold assets, and which are becoming increasingly common.

From The Wall Street Journal

The results also align with clinical observations that fully blocking sensory nerves can lengthen labor.

From Science Daily

It would reduce entries, lengthen queue times and overturn a centuries-old policy, the report concluded.

From Barron's

Despite a lengthening casualty list, Guardiola has said the current situation is not the same as last season.

From BBC

Related Words

• augment
• elongate
• expand
• prolong