prolong
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make something last for a longer time than expected or planned.
to extend the duration of an event, state, or condition. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“The meeting was supposed to end at noon, but the debate prolonged it by an hour.”
In context“The administration sought to prolong the negotiations in hopes that a favorable economic shift would strengthen their bargaining position.”
UsageCommonly used with abstract nouns like 'life', 'stay', 'agony', or 'negotiations'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
to make something physically longer.
to extend the physical length or reach of a line or object.
Simple“The architect decided to prolong the line of the roof to create more shade.”
In context“The surveyor explained how to prolong the boundary line across the uneven terrain using precise laser measurements.”
UsageOften used in geometry, architecture, or technical drawing contexts.
Either a back-formation from prolongation, or from Old French prolonguer or porloignier, from Latin prōlongō, from prō + longō. Doublet of purloin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.