prolong
5 synonyms and 3 antonyms for prolong, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make something last longer than it otherwise would.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use prolong
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
prolong the agony
prolong a life
prolong the process
Etymology
From Old French prolonguer, from Latin prōlongāre — pro- ("forward") plus longus ("long"). A doublet of purloin.
Full origin of prolong →Frequently asked questions
What does “prolong” mean?
The word “prolong” means to make something last longer than it otherwise would. In plain terms, to make something take longer or last longer.
How do you pronounce “prolong”?
“Prolong” is pronounced proh-LONG (/pɹoʊˈlɔŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “prolong” in a sentence?
Here is “prolong” used in a sentence: “The doctors managed to prolong his life by several years with the new treatment.”
What part of speech is “prolong”?
“Prolong” is a verb.
Where does the word “prolong” come from?
The word “prolong” comes from Latin. From Old French prolonguer, from Latin prōlongāre — pro- ("forward") plus longus ("long"). A doublet of purloin.
Is “prolong” a common word?
“Prolong” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “prolong” have?
“Prolong” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something last longer than it otherwise would.
