prolong

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To lengthen in time; to extend the duration of.

   Complaining prolongs one’s pain.

2. 2
   verb

   To put off to a distant time; to postpone.

   The government shouldn't prolong deciding on this issue any further.

3. 3
   verb

   lengthen in time

4. 4
   verb

   lengthen or extend in duration or space

5. 5
   verb

   To extend in space or length.

6. 6
   verb

   To become longer; lengthen.

Etymology

Either a back-formation from prolongation, or from Old French prolonguer or porloignier, from Latin prōlongō, from prō + longō. Doublet of purloin.