Protract

/proʊˈtrækt/

IPA guide

Other forms: protracted; protracting; protracts

To protract something is to stretch it out. If you have a disagreement with a friend that you continue for weeks and weeks, you are protracting the argument.

Protract can also mean to draw a plan to scale. Basically when you protract something, you draw it out. You may remember from geometry that a protractor is a device used to draw exact angles. A protractor allows you to protract a plan for the perfect catapult — perfect to use to end a protracted battle.

Definitions of protract

verb
lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer

synonyms: draw out, extend, prolong

carry, extend
continue or extend

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types:
extend
prolong the time allowed for payment of

temporise, temporize
draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time

spin, spin out
prolong or extend

type of:
elongate, lengthen
make longer

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Word Family

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