prolong

[pruh-lawng, -long]

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.

prolong

/ prəˈlɒŋ, ˌprəʊlɒŋˈɡeɪʃən /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolong¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolong¹

C15: from Late Latin prōlongāre to extend, from Latin _pro- ¹ + longus long

Synonym Study

See lengthen.

Example Sentences

Many, inside and outside Israel, have accused Netanyahu of sabotaging previous efforts to prolong the war for political purposes.

From BBC

What’s unfolding before our eyes will eventually tell us if we are living at the beginning of another clampdown or a mere hiccup in a prolonged cabaret.

From Salon

That momentum was halted by a prolonged VAR check, the outcome of which was incomprehensible to most - if not all - at Parkhead.

From BBC

Initially filed as a death penalty case and subjected to a lengthy review, the process of seeking to try Pineda as an adult further prolonged the proceedings.

From Los Angeles Times

Tests following Penelope's death indicated "starvation over a prolonged period of many months culminating in fatal ketoacidosis", Mr McGhee said.

From BBC

Related Words

• continue 
• delay 
• drag out www.thesaurus.com
• lengthen 
• perpetuate 
• protract 
• stall