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

“While there is often union activity in Chile, in our experience disruptions are rarely protracted,” Hissey says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Around 100 members of the public were in court for consideration as potential jury members at the beginning of a protracted and thorough process.

From BBC

The family chose not to sue to avoid a potentially costly and protracted legal battle.

From BBC

More important is having lived through a bursting bubble, or at least suffering through a severe and protracted bear market.

From MarketWatch

I sincerely hope that the U.S. does not get drawn into a protracted conflict over this.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• prolong
• put off