From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishprolongpro‧long /prəˈlɒŋ $ -ˈlɒːŋ/ ●○○ verb [transitive] 1 LONG TIMEto deliberately make something such as a feeling or an activity last longer SYN lengthen I was trying to think of some way to prolong the conversation.2 → prolong the agonyTHESAURUSprolong to make something last longerThe 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 timeThey 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 visasThey 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 necessaryI wish they'd make a decision and not keep dragging it out.Each side accused the other of dragging out the negotiations. → See Verb table
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” 