protract
pronunciation
How to pronounce protract in British English:
UK [prə'trækt]
How to pronounce protract in American English:
US [proˈtrækt, prə-]
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- Verb:
- lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer
Word Origin
- protract (v.)
- 1530s, a back-formation from protraction and in part from Latin protractus, past participle of protrahere "to draw forth, prolong." Etymologically identical with portray, which was altered in French. Related: Protracted; protracting.
Example
- 1. The cat can protract its paws .
- 2. Delay always breeds danger ; and to protract a great design is often to ruin it .
- 3. We may protract thousands of commercial oil paintings each month .
- 4. Protract the profit of their chilled delirium .
- 5. A hours have passed since the discussion was be gun , and I 'm afraid they will protract it still longer .