prolong

/proʊˈlɑŋ/

/prəʊˈlɒŋ/

Other forms: prolonged; prolonging; prolongs

I don't want to prolong this definition, so I'll keep it short. To prolong is to make something last longer or to stretch it out in time.

You see the word long in prolong and it's no trick. If you prolong an argument with a sibling, you make it longer than it naturally would be. Prolong always has to do with time. When you stretch your neck or a piece of cloth to make it appear longer, you are elongating, not prolonging, it.

Definitions of prolong

1. verb

   lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer
   “We prolonged our stay”

   synonyms: draw out, extend, protract

   carry, extend

   continue or extend

   types:

   extend

   prolong the time allowed for payment of

   temporise, temporize

   draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time

   spin, spin out

   prolong or extend

   type of:

   elongate, lengthen

   make longer
2. verb

   lengthen or extend in duration or space
   “prolong the treatment of the patient”

   synonyms: keep up, sustain

   types:

   continue, keep, keep on, retain

   allow to remain in a place or position or maintain a property or feature

   type of:

   bear on, carry on, continue, preserve, uphold

   keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last