protract

American  

[proh-trakt, pruh-] / proʊˈtrækt, prə- /

verb (used with object)

1. to draw out or lengthen, especially in time; extend the duration of; prolong.

   Synonyms:

   continue

   Antonyms:

   curtail

2. Anatomy. to extend or protrude.

3. (in surveying, mathematics, etc.) to plot and draw (lines) with a scale and a protractor.

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protract British  

/ prəˈtrækt /

verb

1. to lengthen or extend (a speech, etc); prolong in time

2. (of a muscle) to draw, thrust, or extend (a part, etc) forwards

3. to plot or draw using a protractor and scale

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Related Words

See lengthen.

Other Word Forms

• overprotract verb (used with object)
• protractedly adverb
• protractedness noun
• protractible adjective
• protractive adjective
• unprotracted adjective
• unprotractive adjective

Etymology

Origin of protract

First recorded in 1540–50, protract is from the Latin word prōtractus (past participle of prōtrahere “to draw forth, prolong”). See pro- ¹, tract ¹

Example Sentences

U.S. stocks fell and oil prices jumped amid worries of a protracted disruption to oil markets.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The problem is that investors are increasingly pricing in a more protracted conflict that causes extensive economic damage,” Jim Reid, global head of macro research and thematic strategy at Deutsche Bank, wrote in a note.

From MarketWatch

“From a market perspective, the problem is that investors are increasingly pricing in a more protracted conflict that causes extensive economic damage,” Deutsche Bank analysts said in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Given the failed attempt to sell, and then pull, Novo’s oral Wegovy, we thought that we were in for a protracted legal process that could include a full trial,” Cherny added.

From Barron's

Iran’s Defense Ministry said that its strategic stockpile of munitions was sufficient to sustain a protracted campaign.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• prolong
• put off