Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make something last for a longer period of time; to extend the duration of an event, state, or activity.
   • To cause something to be physically longer; to lengthen or stretch out.

Usage

• General Use: The verb "prolong" is used to indicate the action of intentionally extending the time or length of something. It often implies a deliberate effort to make something continue beyond its expected or original endpoint.
• Grammar: "Prolong" is a transitive verb and must be followed by a direct object (the thing being extended). Its past tense and past participle forms are "prolonged."

Examples

• Extending Duration:
  • The doctor decided to prolong the treatment for another month.
  • They prolonged the meeting by discussing minor details.
• Extending Physical Length:
  • The architect's plan was to prolong the corridor to the new wing.
  • The shadow was prolonged by the setting sun.

Advanced Usage

• "Prolong the agony": To unnecessarily extend a difficult, painful, or unpleasant situation.
  • By not making a decision, the manager only prolonged the agony for the anxious team.
• "Prolonged exposure": Extended contact with or subjection to something, often used in medical or scientific contexts.
  • Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage your hearing.

Variants and Related Words

• Prolongation (noun): The act of prolonging or the state of being prolonged.
  • The prolongation of the contract was welcome news.
• Prolonged (adjective): Lasting for a long time or longer than usual.
  • After a prolonged period of silence, he finally spoke.

Synonyms

• Extend: To make longer in space or time.
• Lengthen: To make or become longer.
• Protract: To draw out or lengthen in time, often unnecessarily.

Antonyms

• Shorten: To make or become shorter.
• Abbreviate: To shorten the duration of.
• Cut short: To end something before its expected time.

Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Prolong" does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically expressed by the verb alone or with prepositions like "for" to indicate the extended period.) - Prolong for: To extend something for a specified additional time. - The visa was prolonged for another six months.

Related Idioms

• To prolong the inevitable: To delay something that is certain to happen.
  • His appeals only served to prolong the inevitable dismissal.

Verb

1. lengthen or extend in duration or space
   • We sustained the diplomatic negotiations as long as possible
   • prolong the treatment of the patient
   • keep up the good work
2. lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer
   • We prolonged our stay
   • She extended her visit by another day
   • The meeting was drawn out until midnight