1
Core action
Make a period, process, condition, or event last longer than it otherwise would.
Example
Further appeals may prolong the dispute.
prolong
/prəˈlɒŋ/ · pruh-LONGverb
Make a period, process, condition, or event last longer than it otherwise would.
Use prolong to express this relationship precisely: make a period, process, condition, or event last longer than it otherwise would.
What prolong Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The treatment eased symptoms but prolonged recovery.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
Officials acted quickly to avoid prolonging the closure.
Use prolong Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Further appeals may prolong the dispute.
The treatment eased symptoms but prolonged recovery.
Officials acted quickly to avoid prolonging the closure.
Precision Matters
Prolong overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
prolong
vs.Means make a period, process, condition, or event last longer than it otherwise would.
curtail
Means reduce, restrict, or bring something to an earlier end than intended.
prolong
vs.Means make a period, process, condition, or event last longer than it otherwise would.
cease
Means stop happening or bring an activity, process, or condition to an end.
prolong
vs.Means make a period, process, condition, or event last longer than it otherwise would.
transitory
Means temporary and lasting for only a brief or limited period.
prolong
vs.Means make a period, process, condition, or event last longer than it otherwise would.
exacerbate
Means to make a problem, condition, or inequality worse.
Test prolong in Context
The delays make the trial continue longer.
1
Repeated procedural delays could ___ the trial for several additional months.