protract
Americanverb (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.
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
Related Words
See lengthen.
Other Word Forms
- overprotract verb (used with object)
- protractedly adverb
- protractedness noun
- protractible adjective
- protractive adjective
- unprotracted adjective
- unprotractive adjective
Etymology
Origin of protract
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Historically, Iran’s 1979 revolution transformed it from a U.S.-aligned monarchy to an adversarial theocratic state — a legacy that shapes today’s fears about protracted conflict and regional destabilization.
From Salon
It’s an awful, protracted sequence that begs the question, satire or not, is this truly the funniest bit they could hatch?
From Los Angeles Times
Det Con Tom Campbell of Hertfordshire Police said it had been "a protracted and complex investigation" requiring "significant specialist resources".
From BBC
Shares have experienced a protracted downturn so far into 2026 amid the leadership shakeup, concerns over slowing growth, and broader turmoil in the financial technology sector.
From Barron's
Shares of alternative asset managers were sliding Monday, adding to a protracted slump fueled by artificial-intelligence disruption concerns.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
