protract — To extend or prolong something, especially beyond the usual or expected time.
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: To extend or prolong something, especially beyond the usual or expected time.
Pronunciation (IPA): /prəˈtrækt/
Example Sentences
- My boss loves to protract meetings until everyone falls asleep.
- The divorce proceedings were protracted for over two years.
- She managed to protract her vacation by pretending to be sick.
protract
VERB[/prəˈtrækt/]
To extend or prolong something, especially beyond the usual or expected time.

To extend or prolong something, especially beyond the usual or expected time.

Protract the contract to be exact!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin protrahere, meaning 'to draw forth or drag out.' The word evolved from its literal sense of physically pulling something forward to the figurative meaning of extending time or duration.
Breakdown
pro- (forward/forth) + tract (to draw/pull) + -ed (past participle)
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“My boss loves to protract meetings until everyone falls asleep.”
“The divorce proceedings were protracted for over two years.”
“She managed to protract her vacation by pretending to be sick.”
“The protracted debate left everyone exhausted and confused.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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