prolong

verb

pro·​long prə-ˈlȯŋ 

prolonged; prolonging; prolongs

transitive verb

1

: to lengthen in time : continue

2

: to lengthen in extent, scope, or range

prolongation

(ˌ)prō-ˌlȯŋ-ˈgā-shən  prə- 

noun

prolonger

prə-ˈlȯŋ-ər 

noun

Synonyms

• drag (out)
• draw out
• elongate
• extend
• lengthen
• outstretch
• protract
• stretch

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of prolong in a Sentence

Additives are used to prolong the shelf life of packaged food.

High interest rates were prolonging the recession.

Recent Examples on the Web

These medicines can delay cancer growth and prolong a person’s life.2 Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is another option when hormone treatments are no longer working. —Jamin Brahmbhatt, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025

How those players respond to how different hockey becomes at this time of year is the big payoff here, no matter how long this Canadiens team can prolong this bonus coverage for management. —Arpon Basu, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025

Key Takeaways Replace your shower curtain liner every 3-6 months Ensure the liner doesn’t sit in water Clean regularly to prolong its lifecycle Interior designers and home enthusiasts will tell you there is no better opportunity to have some fun than in a powder room. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2025

Lube Keeping your chain (fairly) clean and (appropriately) lubricated will extend its life and prolong the life of the rest of your drivetrain. —Chris Cona, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prolong

• agung
• along
• belong
• birdsong
• furlong
• headlong
• headstrong
• lifelong
• plainsong
• sarong
• tanjong
• weeklong

Kids Definition

prolong

verb

pro·​long prə-ˈlȯŋ 

: to make longer in time

prolonged the visit