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Dictionary Definition of protract

To prolong or extend in time.
"He had to protract the meeting because some members were late."

Detailed Meaning of Protract

It can also refer to drawing out or delaying a process or event. In some cases, it can also mean to stretch out or elongate. This word is often used to describe something that is being unnecessarily prolonged or extended beyond what is necessary or desirable. For example, a meeting that drags on for hours due to unnecessary discussions or debates could be described as being protracted. Similarly, a project that takes much longer than it should due to delays or setbacks can be said to have been protracted.

Example Sentences for Protract

1. Don't protract the conversation any longer, we need to leave soon.
2. The lawyer tried to protract the case by asking irrelevant questions.
3. The company decided to protract the project for another month.
4. The team's strategy was to protract the game to tire out their opponents.
5. The negotiations were protracted and lasted for several weeks.
6. I don't want to protract this issue any further, let's just move on.

Origin and Etymology of Protract

The verb 'protract' derives its etymology from the Latin word 'protrahere,' which can be broken down into 'pro,' meaning 'forward' or 'forth,' and 'trahere,' meaning 'to pull' or 'to draw.' This etymological origin reflects the idea of pulling or drawing something forward, which aligns with the meaning of the word 'protract' as to prolong or extend in time. When one protracts a situation or period, they are figuratively pulling it forward in time, making it last longer than it otherwise would. This etymology highlights the action of stretching out or drawing something out temporally, providing insight into the word's usage to describe the act of extending the duration of an event or circumstance.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb protract:

abbreviate

shorten

curtail

extend

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Protract

1. She protracted her stay in the city to explore more tourist spots.
2. The disease can be fatal if treatment is protracted or delayed.
3. The dispute between the two countries was protracted for years.
4. The author decided to protract the story to make it a trilogy.
5. The union members threatened to protract the strike if their demands were not met.
6. They decided to protract the meeting to discuss all the issues thoroughly.
7. The negotiations were protracted, lasting for several weeks.
8. The legal process can sometimes protract for years.
9. Let's not protract this argument any further; it's not productive.
10. The court case's complexity led to a protracted trial.
11. The unexpected delays protracted the construction project.
12. We shouldn't protract the decision-making process any longer.
13. The illness protracted her recovery, making it more challenging.
14. The debate committee voted to protract the discussion.
15. Political debates can often be protracted affairs.
16. The company's financial troubles protracted their restructuring.
17. His indecision protracted the planning phase of the project.
18. They opted to protract the vacation to enjoy it to the fullest.
19. The bad weather protracted our journey, causing delays.
20. We need to protract the deadline to accommodate more time.
21. Her meticulous research protracted the writing of the thesis.
22. The pandemic protracted the reopening of many businesses.
23. The drawn-out legal battle protracted their emotional distress.
24. The teacher decided to protract the class to cover more material.
25. Don't protract the process unnecessarily; let's make a decision now.