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

Gary was also engaged in protracted litigation with T-Mobile US over the strategy of a private investment firm he founded, WCO Spectrum.

From The Wall Street Journal

China has one of the world’s largest missile arsenals and unrivaled industrial strength to buoy forces in a protracted war.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its lawsuit, filed Friday in Australia’s highest court, paves the way for what could be a protracted legal battle with the Australian government.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a statement, Paramount called Netflix’s offer “inferior,” one that would expose Warner shareholders “to a protracted multi-jurisdictional regulatory clearance process with an uncertain outcome.”

From Los Angeles Times

The 48-year-old Frenchman will take charge on Thursday - replacing interim boss Martin O'Neill - after his protracted move from Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew was finally confirmed.

From BBC

Related Words

• prolong
• put off