prolong

verb

Pronunciation: /prəˈlɒŋ/

Definition

Make something last longer than it would otherwise.

Examples

• The team hoped that a strong defense would prolong the game into overtime.

• Frequent arguments only serve to prolong the tension between the two neighbors.

• New medication was developed to prolong the lives of patients with chronic illnesses.

How to Use prolong

prolong something (collocation)

To make a specific event or state last longer. — "The committee decided to prolong the meeting by another hour."

prolonged (collocation)

Used as an adjective to describe something that has lasted a long time. — "The region suffered from a prolonged drought that destroyed the crops."

Synonyms of prolong

Words with a similar meaning to prolong:

• extend
• lengthen
• protract
• drag out

Antonyms of prolong

Words with the opposite meaning to prolong:

• shorten
• curtail

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