protract
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to draw out or lengthen, especially in time; extend the duration of; prolong.
- Synonyms:
- continue
- Antonyms:
- curtail
-
Anatomy. to extend or protrude.
-
(in surveying, mathematics, etc.) to plot and draw (lines) with a scale and a protractor.
verb
-
to lengthen or extend (a speech, etc); prolong in time
-
(of a muscle) to draw, thrust, or extend (a part, etc) forwards
-
to plot or draw using a protractor and scale
Related Words
See lengthen.
Other Word Forms
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
Explanation
To protract something is to stretch it out. If you have a disagreement with a friend that you continue for weeks and weeks, you are protracting the argument. Protract can also mean to draw a plan to scale. Basically when you protract something, you draw it out. You may remember from geometry that a protractor is a device used to draw exact angles. A protractor allows you to protract a plan for the perfect catapult — perfect to use to end a protracted battle.
Vocabulary lists containing protract
tract
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tract
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Vocabulary from Readings 6, Unit 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They ruled that the medical support “serves only to protract his death, whilst being unable to prolong his life,” according to court documents.
From New York Times • Aug. 6, 2022
He said continuing treatment would only protract his death.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 25, 2022
Last week, Mr Justice Hayden ruled that continued treatment was "futile" and that it "serves only to protract his death, whilst being unable to prolong his life".
From BBC • Jul. 19, 2022
Associated Newspapers "have a right to this trial, and I think that that is just going to protract the pain for Meghan Markle," Stephens said.
From Fox News • Dec. 2, 2021
I brushed the lever lightly, listening as the hydraulic cylinders hissed softly to protract.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
