View synonyms for protract

protract

[ proh-trakt, pruh- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to draw out or lengthen, especially in time; extend the duration of; prolong.
Synonyms: continue
Antonyms: curtail
Anatomy. to extend or protrude.
(in surveying, mathematics, etc.) to plot and draw (lines) with a scale and a protractor.

protract

/ prəˈtrækt /

verb

to lengthen or extend (a speech, etc); prolong in time
(of a muscle) to draw, thrust, or extend (a part, etc) forwards
to plot or draw using a protractor and scale

Discover More

Derived Forms

proˈtractive, adjective

Discover More

Other Words From

pro·tracted·ly adverb
pro·tracted·ness noun
pro·tracti·ble adjective
pro·tractive adjective
over·pro·tract verb (used with object)
unpro·tracted adjective
unpro·tractive adjective

Discover More

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

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of protract¹

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

Discover More

Synonym Study

See lengthen.

Discover More

Example Sentences

But the growing crops are too cleanly and carefully weeded and too uniformly good to protract the illusion.

From Project Gutenberg

I have again revived, but it is only to protract my course for a little time longer.

From Project Gutenberg

With all his skill, the persistent and adroit minister had been unable to protract negotiations longer than the eighteenth.

From Project Gutenberg

When a dressing is put on, do not remove it, as it will be sure to protract the cure, by admitting the air.

From Project Gutenberg

I must not protract a tale already far too long, by the recital of my acquaintance with the gallant Twenty-sixth.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

protozoon protracted

Browse