protract

[proh-trakt, pruh-]

verb (used with object)

1. to draw out or lengthen, especially in time; extend the duration of; prolong.

   Synonyms: continue
   Antonyms: curtail

2. Anatomy.,  to extend or protrude.

3. (in surveying, mathematics, etc.) to plot and draw (lines) with a scale and a protractor.

protract

/ prəˈtrækt /

verb

1. to lengthen or extend (a speech, etc); prolong in time

2. (of a muscle) to draw, thrust, or extend (a part, etc) forwards

3. to plot or draw using a protractor and scale

Other Word Forms

• protractive adjective
• protractedly adverb
• protractedness noun
• protractible adjective
• overprotract verb (used with object)
• unprotracted adjective
• unprotractive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of protract¹

First recorded in 1540–50, protract is from the Latin word prōtractus (past participle of prōtrahere “to draw forth, prolong”). See pro- ¹, tract ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of protract¹

C16: from Latin prōtrahere to prolong, from _pro- ¹ + trahere to drag

Synonym Study

See lengthen.

Example Sentences

It is understood that James Trafford, for instance, was "super excited" about the prospect of joining Newcastle, only for talks to become protracted with Burnley over the fee.

From BBC

The protracted saga came to an end on the final day of the transfer window, with the Reds announcing the deal at 21:30 BST, two and a half hours after the window closed.

From BBC

"In any protracted conflict, if you have shipyards that quickly produce new ships, this is a huge strategic advantage," Mr Funaiole says.

From BBC

“So let’s spend the resources housing them, rather than being in a protracted legal battle.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a country already reeling from a protracted crisis of job creation, these are worrying figures.

From BBC

Related Words

• prolong 
• put off