Definition of: protract

(prō·trakt′) v.t.
1. To extend in time; prolong.
2. In surveying, to draw or map by means of a scale and protractor; plot.
3. Zool. To protrude or extend: opposed to retract. [<L protractus, pp. of protrahere extend <pro- forward + trahere draw]
—pro·trac′tive adjective Synonyms: continue, delay, elongate, extend, lengthen, prolong. To protract is to cause to occupy a longer time than is usual, expected, or desirable. We protract a negotiation which we are slow to conclude; delay may be used either of the beginning or of any stage in the proceedings; we may delay a person as well as an action, but protract is not used of persons. Elongate is used only of material objects or extension in space; protract is rarely, except in mathematics, used of concrete objects or extension in space; we elongate a line, protract a discussion. Protract has usually an unfavorable sense; continue is neutral, applying equally to the desirable or the undesirable. Compare HINDER. Antonyms: abbreviate, abridge, conclude, contract, curtail, hasten, hurry, limit, reduce, shorten.