protract

[ proh-trakt, pruh- ]

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.

protract

/ 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

Derived Forms

• proˈtractive, adjective

Other Words From

• pro·tracted·ly adverb
• pro·tracted·ness noun
• pro·tracti·ble adjective
• pro·tractive adjective
• over·pro·tract verb (used with object)
• unpro·tracted adjective
• unpro·tractive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of protract¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of protract¹

C16: from Latin prōtrahere to prolong, from pro- ¹+ trahere to drag

Synonym Study

See lengthen.

Example Sentences

But legal experts believe such a policy would face protracted legal battles.

From Los Angeles Times

But China's economy is already ailing and it will be in no mood for a second protracted trade war.

From BBC

Yet they may feel vindicated even if Trump loses narrowly to Harris but his acolytes erupt in litigious, violent and protracted fashion.

From Salon

After a protracted back-and-forth between courts, abortion remains accessible up to 15 weeks of pregnancy in the state.

From Salon

After a protracted back-and-forth between courts, abortion remains accessible up to 15 weeks of pregnancy.

From Salon

Related Words

• prolong
• put off