protract

[proh-trakt, pruh-]

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.

protract

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of protract¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of protract¹

C16: from Latin prōtrahere to prolong, from _pro- ¹ + trahere to drag

Synonym Study

See lengthen.

Example Sentences

China’s own economy has been in a protracted downturn, weighed down by a collapsed property market, ever-rising debts and weakening consumer confidence.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Beijing has in recent years been seeking to reverse a stubborn slump in household spending as a protracted debt crisis in the real estate market and overseas tumult in the trade sector spook consumers.

Read more on Barron's

After a protracted approval and permitting process, construction finally got under way in 2018, and it was supposed to last a little over six years.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Alexander Isak's protracted transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool was the story of the summer window.

Read more on BBC

Granted, much of that threat relies on a protracted shutdown.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• prolong 
• put off