Meaning & use

protract

verb·Advanced

To make something last longer than necessary or expected.

See it in a sentence

The lawyers protracted the trial with endless objections and delays.

The negotiations were protracted for months without reaching an agreement.

A note on using this word

Protract usually carries a negative sense, implying an unwelcome or tedious delay.

Words with a similar meaning

prolongextend

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

shortencurtail

Make it your own

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