protract

verb pro·tract \prō-ˈtrakt, prə-\

Definition of PROTRACT

transitive verb

archaic : delay, defer

: to prolong in time or space : continue

: to extend forward or outward — compare retract 1

— pro·trac·tive \-ˈtrak-tiv\ adjective

See protract defined for kids

Origin of PROTRACT

Latin protractus, past participle of protrahere, literally, to draw forward, from pro- forward + trahere to draw — more at pro-

First Known Use: 1540

Related to PROTRACT

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

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

Synonym Discussion of PROTRACT

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>.