prolong
proh-LONG
Prolong (verb) means to make something last longer than it otherwise would. Example: “The doctors managed to prolong his life by several years with the new treatment.”
verb
1
To make something last longer than it otherwise would.
"The doctors managed to prolong his life by several years with the new treatment."
"Please don't prolong the meeting — everyone wants to go home."
2
To put something off until a later time; to delay.
"They kept prolonging the decision, hoping the problem would solve itself."
How to use prolong
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something take longer or last longer.
Common pairings
prolong the agony
prolong a life
prolong the process
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- prolongs
- Past tense
- prolonged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The doctors managed to _____ his life by several years with the new treatment.
Etymology
From Old French prolonguer, from Latin prōlongāre — pro- ("forward") plus longus ("long"). A doublet of purloin.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for prolong
See all rhymes for 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.
