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 Ellis, cashmere deserves its own storage solution and this two-pack, which includes one 15-inch and one 18-inch bag, is the perfect sweater saver that will protect and prolong the life of your cashmere. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025

Giant white turnips resemble rutabaga and are often wax-coated after harvest to create a vapor barrier that seals in moisture and prolongs shelf life. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025

Republicans in Washington have accused the protesters of prolonging the govenment shutdown, as well as hating America, being terrorists or belonging to Antifa, a loose group of anti-fascists. —Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025

On Thursday, Senate Democrats voted for the 10th time to prolong the federal government shutdown. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 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