prolong

Word family

pro·long /prəˈlɒŋ $ -ˈlɒːŋ/ verb [transitiveT]

1 LONG TIMEto deliberately make something such as a feeling or an activity last longer 延长，拉长，拖长〔感觉或活动〕 SYN lengthen

I was trying to think of some way to prolong the conversation.

我在想方设法拖长这次谈话。

2 prolong the agony informalDELAY to make an unpleasant or anxious time last longer, especially when people are waiting for news 延长痛苦〔尤指拖延告诉某人他很想知道的事情〕

There’s no point in prolonging the agony any longer.

没有必要再拖着不说，让人等得这么着急。

Examples from the Corpus

prolong the agony• She played her part to the end, grateful that Ace didn't seem keen on prolonging the agony.• The last thing she wanted was to prolong the agony.• There was no sense in prolonging the agony.• You said you'd wait till I came to you of my own free will; let's not prolong the agony any longer.• Goodness knows I do not wish to prolong the agony, but I feel some clarity is needed.• They are now 20 years older and must realise that to remain silent is to prolong the agony for Brian's parents.• Without prolonging the agony for them both any longer she got up and left the room.

n THESAURUS

prolong to make something last longer

The issue divided the country and prolonged the civil war.

Successful treatment is prolonging people's lives.

No one wants to prolong the violence.

This would only prolong the unhappiness she felt.

lengthen to make something last longer than the usual time

They suggested lengthening the training period for new teachers.

New security measures have lengthened the time passengers spend in airports.

extend to make something that is coming to an end continue for a longer period of time – used especially about official arrangements such as contracts and visas

They agreed to extend his contract by a year.

The offer has been extended for a further fourteen days.

I applied to extend my visa.

drag something out to make a situation or event last longer than necessary

I wish they'd make a decision and not keep dragging it out.

Each side accused the other of dragging out the negotiations.

Examples from the Corpus

prolong• Users turn to the drug in the belief that it prolongs and enhances sex.• The high gas prices and long lines were prolonged by government interference in the private sector.• The prolonged competition could serve to enliven the debate.• A heart transplant might prolong his life for a few years.• It seems he's eager to prolong his trial for as long as possible.• Bill loves this moment, but it is unkind to prolong it.• The president said curbing the addiction level would save money and prolong lives.• Doctors say these drugs can reduce pain and prolong lives.• Interesting acts are prolonged or repeated.• He asked her another question just to prolong the conversation.• He wasn't asking her because he wanted to discuss the station or prolong the more general conversation they had just shared.• When the settlement was negotiated the Communists attempted to prolong the strike, but with limited success.• A recurring comment was that some patients deliberately prolong treatment.

Origin prolong

(1400-1500) Old French prolonguer, from Late Latin prolongare, from Latin longus “long”

pro·long verb →n THESAURUS1

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