prolong
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to lengthen out in time; extend the duration of; cause to continue longer.
to prolong one's stay abroad.
- Antonyms:
- abbreviate
-
to make longer in spatial extent.
to prolong a line.
verb
Synonym Usage
See lengthen.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of prolong
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English prolongen, from Late Latin prōlongāre “to lengthen,” equivalent to prō- “forward, forth” + long(us) “long” + -ā- theme vowel + -re infinitive ending; see pro- 1, long 1
Explanation
I don't want to prolong this definition, so I'll keep it short. To prolong is to make something last longer or to stretch it out in time. You see the word long in prolong and it's no trick. If you prolong an argument with a sibling, you make it longer than it naturally would be. Prolong always has to do with time. When you stretch your neck or a piece of cloth to make it appear longer, you are elongating, not prolonging, it.
Vocabulary lists containing prolong
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Having Deborah decide to prolong her life with chemo because she could not resist mining this final seam of comedic gold was a coup de grace.
From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026
“The near closure of the Strait continues to prolong a disruption that is steadily tightening global energy markets,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.
From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026
Because the method can prolong the viability of biological materials, it has the potential to benefit many areas of life science research and application.
From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026
"Anything to improve that, whether it's a treatment to prolong life or a cure would be amazing."
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026
There was no reason to prolong the ordeal a moment longer.
From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
