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prolong

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

Definition of prolong

transitive verb

1 : to lengthen in time : continue
2 : to lengthen in extent, scope, or range
Other Words from prolong Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about prolong

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Other Words from prolong

prolongation \ (ˌ)prō-​ˌlȯŋ-​ˈgā-​shən How to pronounce prolongation (audio) , prə-​ How to pronounce prolongation (audio) \ noun
prolonger \ prə-​ˈlȯŋ-​ər How to pronounce prolonger (audio) \ 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

 They were entrusted with the Crystal of Truth, the physical embodiment of the life force that sustains Thra, but have instead been using the Crystal’s power to prolong their own lives. — Christian Holub, EW.com, "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance," 31 Aug. 2019 Directions say to leave it on for five to 15 minutes, but aim for 45 minutes or even an hour to prolong the hydration. — Andrea Cheng, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best Skin Care Routine For Your Next Flight: A Step-By-Step Guide," 30 Aug. 2019 Parliament had the option in March to prolong the Truth and Dignity Commission’s mandate for another year, but voted against it. — Lilia Blaise, New York Times, "Tunisia Truth Commission Brings One Court Case in Four Years," 6 June 2018 New Hampshire Concord: A year after Gov. Chris Sununu’s unsuccessful push to prolong school summer vacation until Labor Day, the vast majority of the state’s communities are sticking with their earlier start dates. — USA TODAY, "Burro bandits, sugarcane shake-up, naked bike ride: News from around our 50 states," 26 Aug. 2019 But Evan Longoria, a third baseman who had been shifted to the right side of the infield against Eduardo Escobar, made a two-out fielding error to prolong the sixth. — John Shea, SFChronicle.com, "Giants lose: Beede good, defense and baserunning are not," 26 Aug. 2019 The Angels have closely monitored Canning’s innings, giving him extra rest in an effort to prolong his season. — Los Angeles Times, "Angels rookie Griffin Canning to return to injured list with elbow inflammation," 21 Aug. 2019 This is all to help prolong the life of the kidney he was previously donated. — Quoron Walker, courant.com, "Local Resident In Need Of Kidney Donor," 8 Aug. 2019 The Boodock’s rugged construction protects your feet and prolongs the life of the boot. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "The 10 Best Work Boots for Any Type of Job," 2 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prolong.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of prolong

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for prolong

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

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More Definitions for prolong

prolong

verb
How to pronounce prolong (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of prolong

: to make (something) last or continue for a longer time

See the full definition for prolong in the English Language Learners Dictionary

prolong

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

Kids Definition of prolong

: to make longer than usual or expected Medicines prolonged his life.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prolong

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prolong

Spanish Central: Translation of prolong

Nglish: Translation of prolong for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of prolong for Arabic Speakers

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