prolong

verb pro·long \prə-ˈlȯŋ\

: to make (something) last or continue for a longer time

Full Definition of PROLONG

transitive verb

: to lengthen in time : continue

: to lengthen in extent, scope, or range

— pro·lon·ga·tion \(ˌ)prō-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən, prə-\ noun

— pro·long·er \prə-ˈlȯŋ-ər\ noun

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See prolong defined for kids

Origin of PROLONG

Middle English, from Middle French prolonguer, from Late Latin prolongare, from Latin pro- forward + longus long

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PROLONG

Synonyms: drag (out), draw out, elongate, lengthen, outstretch, extend, protract, stretch

Antonyms: abbreviate, abridge, curtail, cut, cut back, shorten

Synonym Discussion of PROLONG

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>.

PROLONGING Defined for Kids