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

Solutions like breathable film packaging and smart logistics play a crucial role in reducing waste and prolonging shelf life. —William Jones, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025

Mizuhara capitalized on the language barrier to keep Ohtani’s financial advisers from understanding their client, and, at times, Mizuhara even impersonated the player to the bank to prolong the fraud. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025

As the blowout was prolonged in the fourth quarter, the black-out crowd turned gray as fans left, leaving more and more of the stands exposed. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 25 Oct. 2025

The storm’s slow movement is expected to prolong dangerous weather over multiple days, bringing widespread rainfall and potential devastation to several islands. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 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