prolong

1 of 2

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

prolonger

2 of 2

noun

pro·​long·​er prəˈlȯŋə(r) 

prōˈ-

plural -s

: one that prolongs

Synonyms of prolong

Verb

• 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

Verb

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

High interest rates were prolonging the recession.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Jordan Grimes, a housing advocate with Peninsula for Everyone, warned that rejecting the farmworker project could make the state less willing to approve Half Moon Bay’s housing plan, prolonging the city’s exposure to the builder’s remedy. — Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 27 July 2026

Meteorologists said the sweltering weather was the result of another heat dome — a phenomenon in which atmospheric conditions trap heat, accentuating and prolonging already high temperatures. — ABC News, 26 July 2026

This delay stems from Paramount's anticipation of losing an August injunction hearing, which would prolong the legal battle. — Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

The resulting backlash is almost predictable, sometimes reversing the decision and sometimes merely prolonging the painful end. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Noun

prolong + -er

First Known Use

Verb

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