prolong

American  

[pruh-lawng, -long] / prəˈlɔŋ, -ˈlɒŋ /

verb (used with object)

1. to lengthen out in time; extend the duration of; cause to continue longer.

   to prolong one's stay abroad.

   Antonyms:

   abbreviate

2. to make longer in spatial extent.

   to prolong a line.

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prolong British  

/ prəˈlɒŋ, ˌprəʊlɒŋˈɡeɪʃən /

verb

1. (tr) to lengthen in duration or space; extend

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Related Words

See lengthen.

Other Word Forms

• prolongable adjective
• prolongableness noun
• prolongably adverb
• prolongation noun
• prolonger noun
• prolongment noun
• unprolongable adjective

Etymology

Origin of prolong

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English prolongen, from Late Latin prōlongāre “to lengthen,” equivalent to prō- “forward, forth” + long(us) “long” + -ā- theme vowel + -re infinitive ending; pro- ¹, long ¹

Example Sentences

Kitchener later served as Secretary of State for War and was instrumental in expanding Britain’s army to wage a prolonged struggle of attrition in Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lawyers representing immigrants in prolonged detention say the government is keeping people locked up in hopes of wearing down their clients so they abandon their fight to remain in the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

"According to the latest information I have... it would seem that there would be far fewer A320s that would be impacted in a more prolonged way by the software change."

From Barron's

Retail sales returned to growth in September after a prolonged slump, though sentiment is expected to be dented after a fire this week that killed at least 94 people in Hong Kong.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet Spain emerged from its prolonged state of apathy and apoliticization as one of the most vibrant of Europe’s democracies.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• continue
• delay
• drag out
• lengthen
• perpetuate
• protract
• stall