lengthen

[ lengk-thuhn, leng-, len- ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make longer; make greater in length.

   Synonyms: elongate

   Antonyms: shorten

verb (used without object)

1. to become greater in length; grow long or longer.

lengthen

/ ˈlɛŋθən; ˈlɛŋkθən /

verb

1. to make or become longer

Derived Forms

• ˈlengthener, noun

Other Words From

• lengthen·er noun
• outlengthen verb (used with object)
• un·lengthened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lengthen¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; length + -en ¹

Synonym Study

Lengthen, extend, stretch, prolong, protract agree in the idea of making longer. To lengthen is to make longer, either in a material or an immaterial sense: to lengthen a dress. To extend is to lengthen beyond some original point or so as to reach a certain point: to extend a railway line by a hundred miles. To stretch is primarily to lengthen by drawing or tension: to stretch a rubber band. Both prolong and protract mean especially to lengthen in time, and therefore apply to intangibles. To prolong is to continue beyond the desired, estimated, or allotted time: to prolong an interview. To protract is to draw out to undue length or to be slow in coming to a conclusion: to protract a discussion.

Example Sentences

The guidance highlights that while there are some increased risks linked to taking HRT, it is unlikely to lengthen or shorten overall life expectancy.

From BBC

The Proposition 36 ballot initiative — which Gascón opposes because it would lengthen prison sentences for many crimes — appears all but certain to pass.

From Los Angeles Times

All the while, she kept a pen clipped to the front of her leotard and a tiny notepad on which she took notes on her instructor’s occasional corrections tucked into her black tights: activate the upper back muscles, round the elbows, lengthen the sacrum.

From Los Angeles Times

Dr Blagden warns that "the personnel, equipment and logistics demands of attempting to sustain the incursion then hold the taken territory will be significant, especially as supply lines lengthen."

From BBC

This is what makes the nail lengthen and her legs grow.

From BBC

Related Words

• augment
• elongate
• expand
• prolong