prolong

Prolong is a verb meaning to extend the duration or extent of something, making it last longer than it otherwise would. It is used for events, processes, durations, and other occurrences where an end point is extended or deferred. The term can imply both deliberate action and natural extension.

Etymology: Prolong derives from Latin prolongare, from pro- "forward" and longus "long", and entered English via Old or Middle French prolonger. The noun prolongation and the adjective prolonged share related meanings.

Usage: Prolong is usually transitive, requiring a direct object such as "to prolong a meeting", "to prolong a deadline", or "to prolong an illness". The past participle is prolonged and the noun is prolongation. It can carry a formal tone and is common in administrative, legal, or scientific writing.

Differences from related terms: Extend and lengthen are broader and may refer to physical size as well as time; protract emphasizes drawing out or delaying. Prolongation is often used to denote the act or result of prolonging, including contractual extensions or procedural delays.

See also: prolongation, prolong, extension, elongation, lengthen, protract.