prolong
To extend the duration of something
Examples
In a meeting
“Let's not prolong this discussion—we need to decide now.”
Over coffee
“I don't want to prolong the awkwardness, so I'll just leave.”
Why this word
extend
Prolong specifically emphasizes lengthening time duration, often beyond what's desired, while extend is neutral and can apply to space or time
lengthen
Prolong suggests making something last longer than expected or necessary, while lengthen is more neutral and can refer to physical length
continue
Prolong means actively making something last longer, while continue just means keeping going without emphasizing the extension aspect
Usage tip
Use when something is being extended beyond its natural or desired duration
Etymology
Latin prolongare from pro- 'forward' + longus 'long'
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Related words
subsequent
Coming after something in time or order.
perpetual
Never ending or changing; occurring continuously.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
tenure
The period of time someone holds a position or office
retroactive
Taking effect from a date in the past rather than from the present
protract
To extend or prolong something in time