Prolong

/prəˈlɔŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to extend the duration of something beyond its original or usual length.

The meeting was prolonged by several hours due to the ongoing discussions.

to lengthen in time or space.

They decided to prolong their vacation by a few days.

to cause to continue for a longer time.

The doctor advised against taking medication that could prolong the recovery process.

Middle English prolongen, from Latin prolongare 'to lengthen' (pro- 'forth' + longus 'long')

prolong the inevitable

to delay something unpleasant that will eventually happen

prolong the time

to increase the time taken for something

prolong the discussion

to continue a conversation for a longer period than necessary

extension

the action of extending something.

duration

the time during which something continues.

elongate

to make something longer.

to drag something out unnecessarily

Stop prolonging the issue, just get to the point!

to stall for time

He was just prolonging the exam by asking irrelevant questions.