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

• lengthen
• extend
• increase

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

According to Climate Central, warmer falls can prolong potentially dangerous summer-like heat and increase the demand and cost of cooling during warmer fall days. —Kyle Reiman, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025

Unlike icy moons such as Jupiter's Europa and Saturn's Enceladus, which are kept warm by the gravitational tug of giant planets, Ceres has no external energy source to prolong its habitability. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2025

All of these compromise healing and health, often prolong pain, and carry even greater health risks. —Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025

Another tip from Poole to prolong cleaning is to prewash your dishes and remove food residue prior to running the dishwasher. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 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