prolong

[ pruh-lawng, -long ]

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.

prolong

/ prəˈlɒŋ; ˌprəʊlɒŋˈɡeɪʃən /

verb

1. tr to lengthen in duration or space; extend

Derived Forms

• proˈlongment, noun
• prolongation, noun
• proˈlonger, noun

Other Words From

• pro·long·a·ble adjective
• pro·long·a·ble·ness noun
• pro·long·a·bly adverb
• pro·long·er noun
• pro·long·ment noun
• un·pro·long·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolong¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolong¹

C15: from Late Latin prōlongāre to extend, from Latin pro- ¹+ longus long

Synonym Study

See lengthen.

Example Sentences

Some people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are entitled to the payout after a prolonged period of below-zero temperatures.

From BBC

Feeling a similar pain as Louis while watching, I couldn't imagine why a person so emotionally wounded as to wish for death would accept the offer of immortality, essentially prolonging that sadness endlessly.

From Salon

Patients in health care settings have the highest risk for infection, especially those who are on ventilators, have devices such as catheters, are in intensive care units, or have prolonged hospital stays.

From Science Daily

Many people living with terminal illnesses have said the bill offers them hope that they may not have to experience a painful or prolonged death.

From BBC

She said both father and daughter were vulnerable and the harassment had been prolonged.

From BBC

Related Words

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