Dictionary
lengthen
verb length·en \ˈleŋ(k)-thən, ˈlen(t)-\
: to become longer
: to make (something) longer
length·enedlength·en·ing \ˈleŋ(k)th-niŋ, ˈlen(t)th-; ˈleŋ(k)-thə-, ˈlen(t)-\
Full Definition of LENGTHEN
transitive verb
: to make longer
intransitive verb
: to grow longer
— length·en·er \ˈleŋ(k)th-nər, ˈlen(t)th-; ˈleŋ(k)-thə-, ˈlen(t)-\ noun
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First Known Use of LENGTHEN
14th century
Related to LENGTHEN
- Synonyms
- drag (out), draw out, elongate, extend, outstretch, prolong, protract, stretch
Synonym Discussion of LENGTHEN
extend, lengthen, prolong, protract mean to draw out or add to so as to increase in length. extend and lengthen imply a drawing out in space or time but extend may also imply increase in width, scope, area, or range <extend a vacation> <extend welfare services> <lengthen a skirt> <lengthen the workweek>. prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits <prolonged illness>. protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness <protracted litigation>.
LENGTHEN Defined for Kids
lengthen
verb length·en \ˈleŋ-thən\
length·enedlength·en·ing
Definition of LENGTHEN for Kids
: to make or become longer <lengthen a dress>
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