lengthen

[lengk-thuhn, leng-, len-]

verb (used with object)

1. to make longer; make greater in length.

   Synonyms: elongate
   Antonyms: shorten

verb (used without object)

1. to become greater in length; grow long or longer.

lengthen

/ ˈlɛŋθən, ˈlɛŋkθən /

verb

1. to make or become longer

Other Word Forms

• lengthener noun
• outlengthen verb (used with object)
• unlengthened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lengthen¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; length + -en ¹

Synonym Study

Lengthen, extend, stretch, prolong, protract agree in the idea of making longer. To lengthen is to make longer, either in a material or an immaterial sense: to lengthen a dress. To extend is to lengthen beyond some original point or so as to reach a certain point: to extend a railway line by a hundred miles. To stretch is primarily to lengthen by drawing or tension: to stretch a rubber band. Both prolong and protract mean especially to lengthen in time, and therefore apply to intangibles. To prolong is to continue beyond the desired, estimated, or allotted time: to prolong an interview. To protract is to draw out to undue length or to be slow in coming to a conclusion: to protract a discussion.

Example Sentences

Following a lengthening of its mandatory conscription programme, Taiwan has now increased pay and benefits for the military, and introduced more rigorous training.

From BBC

He said the new administration decided these DEI-related grants “do nothing to expand our knowledge of living systems, provide low returns on investment, and ultimately do not enhance health, lengthen life, or reduce illness.”

From Los Angeles Times

Climate change is among a cocktail of factors fueling an increase in tick-borne illnesses across the country, as warming temperatures allow parasites to march into new areas and lengthen their season.

From Los Angeles Times

“I am going to grind out at-bats, put the ball in play, take my walks, make it tough on the pitcher, lengthen out the lineup.”

From Los Angeles Times

One more wicket as the shadows lengthened would have given India a massive boost and Bumrah was revved up for a final spell.

From BBC

Related Words

• augment 
• elongate 
• expand 
• prolong