prolong

verb

pro·​long prə-ˈlȯŋ How to pronounce prolong (audio)
prolonged; prolonging; prolongs

transitive verb

1
: to lengthen in time : continue
2
: to lengthen in extent, scope, or range
prolonger noun
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yes, a bottle of red wine that’s been opened but unfinished can and should be stored in the fridge to prolong its shelf life, says Salyer, who notes that storing reds at a cool temperature slows the oxidation, which will keep the wine fresh for just a little longer. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024 There’s no preserving this place, only prolonging its collapse. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2024 What’s Next For Google Google plans to challenge the monopoly ruling, which would likely prolong the legal process. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 If Mehta embraces the Justice Department's recommendations, Google will almost certainly appeal the punishments, prolonging a legal tussle that has dragged on for more than four years. CBS News, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prolong 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of prolong was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near prolong

Cite this Entry

“Prolong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prolong. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

prolong

verb
pro·​long prə-ˈlȯŋ How to pronounce prolong (audio)
: to make longer in time
prolonged the visit

More from Merriam-Webster on prolong

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