prolong

American  

[pruh-lawng, -long] / prəˈlɔŋ, -ˈlɒŋ /

verb (used with object)

1. to lengthen out in time; extend the duration of; cause to continue longer.

   to prolong one's stay abroad.

   Antonyms:

   abbreviate

2. to make longer in spatial extent.

   to prolong a line.

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prolong British  

/ prəˈlɒŋ, ˌprəʊlɒŋˈɡeɪʃən /

verb

1. (tr) to lengthen in duration or space; extend

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Related Words

See lengthen.

Other Word Forms

• prolongable adjective
• prolongableness noun
• prolongably adverb
• prolongation noun
• prolonger noun
• prolongment noun
• unprolongable adjective

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; pro- ¹, long ¹

Example Sentences

Forecasters warn this could be a prolonged event, with only gradual relief possible by the weekend or early next week, raising concerns about health risks and broader environmental impacts.

From BBC

Investors fear the continuing conflict will trigger a prolonged oil rally, potentially driving up inflation and recession threats.

From Barron's

We profoundly regret that our mistakes prolonged the litigation and caused additional suffering for Beth.

From BBC

A prolonged energy shock would carry deep and lasting macroeconomic implications.

From MarketWatch

A prolonged conflict that threatens Chinese exports would weaken what economists expect to continue to serve as a major growth pillar this year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• continue
• delay
• drag out
• lengthen
• perpetuate
• protract
• stall