protract

/proʊˈtrækt/

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

1. verb

   lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer
   synonyms: draw out, extend, prolong

   carry, extend

   continue or extend

   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